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Background & Problems: While the central line catheter is a common device used in intensive medical care, it is a frequent source of nosocomial infection. The central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate at our medical ICU had increased steadily, with an average rate between January and May 2011 of .47%. We used a cross-team approach to implement bundle care as a strategy to reduce the CLABSI rate., Purpose: We designed a project to reduce the CLABSI rate below .3% in our ICU., Resolution: This project was conducted between June 2011 and May 2012. Our strategy included providing a sterile towel, implementing maximal barrier precautions (head to toe), designing an illustration explaining how to use 2% CHG, establishing a procedures and care checklist, implementing quality assurance for procedures and care, and providing education on bundle care., Results: The CLABSI rate reduced to .24% after project implementation. This result was below the target of .30%., Conclusions: We want to share this experience to help other hospitals and units improve critical care quality and to continue working to achieve a zero-tolerance infection rate.

Background: Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is an important indicator of care quality. The average CRBSI rate in our unit was 1.027% in 2009. Causes of infection included inadequate CRBSI prevention practices and outdated standard procedures., Purpose: We designed a project to reduce the CRBSI rate below 0.5% in our intensive care unit., Resolution: Improvement plans included providing in-service education, establishing a central venous catheter (CVC) care checklist, and updating CRBSI clinical management standards., Results: The CRBSI rate fell to 1.43‰ after implementation. This was significantly below the reduction target of 0.5%., Conclusions: This project effectively reduced CRBSI. We want to share this experience to help other hospitals and units improve critical care quality and reduce healthcare costs.