Reduction in Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in a NICU: Practical Lessons for Its Achievement and Sustainability

Central venous catheters are commonly used for the provision of parenteral nutrition and medications for critically ill neonates in the NICU. However, central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a major complication associated with their use and remain an important cause of nosocomial sepsis in NICUs. Central line-associated bloodstream infection has shifted from being an expected routine complication of central line use to an adverse event now evaluated as a critical event with the goal of identifying root causes so future CLABSI events are prevented. Success has been achieved through multiple strategies including implementation and maintenance of care bundles, education strategies to promote consistent adherence to bundle components, and institutional and unit support. Although low CLABSI rates can be achieved, sustaining low CLABSI rates and achieving zero CLABSI remain an ongoing challenge. We describe our experience with lessons learned, with an emphasis on the areas of difficulty during implementation of the bundle elements and the strategies and tools we utilized to overcome them.