Nine facilities share their approach to infection prevention improvement

By: Evan Sweeney May 19th, 2010

After a recent report from the Illinois Department of Public Health left a number of hospitals in the Chicago area with unfavorable infection control rates, the hospitals cited in the report did what many facilities have done before: revamp their programs.

The Illinois Hospital Report Card and Conusmer Guide to Public Health allows public access to data from specific facilities, including HAI rates.

Nine hospitals in the Chicago area were marked with red arrows in 2009, indicating their central line-associated bloodstream infection rates were statistically significantly worse than the national average. The Chicago Tribune spoke with those hospitals to find out what was being done to address the issue.

For example, Thorek Memorial Hospital (Chicago) had the highest infection ratio in Illinois. The hospital’s CEO told the Tribune they have begun collecting medical charts for the 22 infected patients and conducting an independent review. The facility has also began using a central line checklist in March and the insertion kit has been updated with the necessary equipment.
Norwegian American Hospital (Chicago) focused on the culture at the hospital, including empowering nurses to speak up when the checklist is not being followed.
Several facilities purchased more up-to-date equipment. Roseland Community Hospital (Chicago) purchased chlorhexidine-impregnated catheters and began using a chlorhexidine-filled sponge as the dressing. Mercy Hospital & Medical Center (Chicago) and St. James Hospital and Health Centers (Chicago Heights and Olympia Fields) also began using chlorhexidine-filled sponges. St. Bernard Hospital & Health Care Center (Chicago) purchased a portable ultrasound, in addition to reinforcing to staff members the importance of the central-line bundle, and St. James ensured their ultrasounds had sterile coverings.

What have you been doing to prevent central-line associated bloodstream infections? Let us know in the comments section below.

Comments(2) Featured, Infection Control

Comments

By Shannon Young DeLaCruz on May 19th, 2010 at 10:06 am

We are in the process of implementing the check list, central line cart, and daily assessment. We have a low rate, but would like to sustain zero.

By Linda Dadzie on May 19th, 2010 at 1:34 pm

We have had a check list and a cart/kit in place. We have procedure nurses who do assessment of the central/PICC lines to see if the patient needs it, and like Shannon, we would also like to make zero a number in our hospital.