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"In 2022, our pediatric and women's medical center observed a 166.67% increase in central line bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in the pediatric population. A quality-focused group was initiated to implement changes to reduce CLABSIs" Kovar et al (2025).

How to reduce central line bloodstream infections in pediatrics

Abstract:

Objective: In 2022, our pediatric and women’s medical center observed a 166.67% increase in central line bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in the pediatric population. A quality-focused group was initiated to implement changes to reduce CLABSIs.

Methods: Hand hygiene compliance, creating resource tools, implementing CLABSI prevention competencies, and CLABSI bundle audits were used as interventions.

Results: Our institution’s CLABSI rate decreased 71% from 1.59 CLABSIs per 1,000 central line days in 2022 to 0.46 CLABSIs per 1,000 central line days in 2023.

Conclusions: A multifaceted approach with unit focus allowed our institution to decrease the number of CLABSIs in the pediatric and neonatal units.


Reference:

Kovar L, Patterson T, Cline A, Hilton B, Seigman K, McMenamy S, Malinowski K. Process-Focused Approach to Reduce Central Line Bloodstream Infections in the Pediatric Population. J Healthc Qual. 2025 Feb 14. doi: 10.1097/JHQ.0000000000000470. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39951822.

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