966 CLABSI Prevention in Focus: Shaping a Future of Zero

TL;DR

This paper describes how implementing daily CHG baths and linen changes reduced CLABSIs in burn patients, leading to zero infections since 2022.

Contribution

The study introduces a protocol combining daily CHG baths and linen changes to effectively prevent CLABSIs in high-risk burn patients.

Findings

CLABSI rates dropped to zero from 3 in 2022 through August 2024.

Daily CHG baths and linen changes reduced exposure to infectious agents in burn patients.

Monthly audits ensured protocol compliance and identified education needs.

Abstract

Central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are found to cause longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher morbidity rates for patients. Burn patients are especially susceptible to CLABSIs because they often require central lines for an extended amount of time. Also, the central lines may need to be placed on or near the wounds, which limits our ability to maintain an occlusive dressing. These factors place burn patients at a high risk for CLABSIs. Our goal is to find a way to decrease or eliminate the occurrence of CLABSIs in burn patients.

Protocols were initiated that required bedside staff to perform a CHG bath on non-burned areas of skin on a daily basis for all patients with a central line. Burn patients who are hemodynamically stable must have a linen change at least once per shift to limit exposure to infectious agents. Monthly monitoring and chart audits are performed to ensure compliance with protocols and offer opportunities for further education for staff when necessary.

CLABSI rates have gone from 3 in 2022 and continued to zero as of August 2024.

Daily CHG baths and twice-daily linen changes have decreased exposure to infectious agents in burn patients, thus limiting the number of CLABSIs present. Auditing documentation allows us to ensure protocol compliance and assess the need for further education. Furthermore, no longer rotating insertion sites for central lines have decreased the likelihood of introducing new microbes into the bloodstream during insertion.

Limiting the number of CLABSIs will help reduce patients’ hospital stays, leading to lower mortality rates and better patient outcomes overall.

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