Skip Navigation
The Collection >
Reduction of central line infections in Veterans Administration intensive care units: an observational cohort using a central infrastructure to support learning and improvement.
Render ML, Hasselbeck R, Freyberg RW, Hofer TP, Sales AE, Almenoff PL; VA ICU Clinical Advisory Group. BMJ Qual Saf. 2011;20:725-732.

Reduction of catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs) is an important patient safety goal, which was achieved with remarkable success in the Michigan Keystone project. This study similarly targeted CRBSIs and also demonstrated significant reductions in 174 intensive care units across the Veterans Administration (VA) health system. Improvements were correlated with local adherence to prevention bundles, while poorly performing sites were noted to lack functional teams, forcing functions, and effective feedback systems. The authors discuss their findings and specifically distinguish elements of their study from the Keystone project, including their nationwide ICU sample and a more centralized approach with data benchmarks and tools. They also point out the ability to leverage existing information technology infrastructure in the VA system that allows greater ease of sharing data and learning.

PubMed citation icon indicating hyperlink to external website
Available at icon indicating hyperlink to external website
white box
Related Resources
STUDY
Elimination of central-venous-catheter-related bloodstream infections from the intensive care unit.
Longmate AG, Ellis KS, Boyle L, et al. BMJ Qual Saf. 2011;20:174-180.
STUDY
Statewide NICU central-line–associated bloodstream infection rates decline after bundles and checklists.
Schulman J, Stricof R, Stevens TP, et al; New York State Regional Perinatal Care Centers. Pediatrics. 2011;127:436-444.
STUDY
The ability of intensive care units to maintain zero central line–associated bloodstream infections.
Lipitz-Snyderman A, Needham DM, Colantuoni E, et al. Arch Intern Med. 2011;171:856-858.
STUDY
Trends in central line–associated bloodstream infections in a trauma-surgical intensive care unit.
Ong A, Dysert K, Herbert C, et al. Arch Surg. 2011;146:302-307.
View all related resources...
white box
Download: Adobe Reader   email icon Email
tan box
white box