The Impact of a Dedicated Nurse on the Prevention of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in the NICU.
BACKGROUND
The neonatal population is at increased risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) related to prematurity, critical illness, and compromised immune function.1,4,5 METHODS: To address a 30 percent CLABSI rate increase, a quality improvement (QI) project in a Level IV NICU was developed and implemented by the NICU CLABSI team in 2018. The project trialed a dedicated CLABSI prevention-registered nurse (DCP-RN) role with select responsibilities aimed at rate reduction. The DCP-RN spearheaded an RN education plan, addressed prevention bundle compliance, and aided in establishing a reliable apparent cause analysis (ACA) process.


RESULTS
The outcome resulted in an over 50% reduction in the CLABSI rate and permanent adoption of the DCP-RN role in the NICU.
['Curry|Sabra|S|https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2803-0044', 'Mallard|Ellen|E|https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3759-4530', 'Marrero|Elizabeth|E|', 'Walker|Melinda|M|', 'Weeks|Robin|R|', 'Harrison|H Allen|HA|', 'Temple|Melany|M|', 'Holland|Cara|C|', 'Brandon|Katherine|K|']
D055499:Catheter-Related Infections D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous D006801:Humans D007231:Infant, Newborn D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal D058996:Quality Improvement D018805:Sepsis
infection NICU CLABSI rate