The plan to reduce CLABSI rates in the Pediatric ICU is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring safety. It involves several key metrics, focusing on the incidence rate of CLABSIs and the utilization ratio of central lines. For instance, reducing the CLABSI incidence per 1,000 central line days, through adherence to protocols and training, can significantly cut down infection rates.
Metrics like hand hygiene compliance rate and catheter duration also play crucial roles in this plan. Ensuring a high hand hygiene compliance rate is critical, as it directly impacts infection control practices, while minimizing catheter duration helps reduce the potential for bacterial infections. Furthermore, staff training is emphasized to maintain a knowledgeable and compliant healthcare team.
These efforts collectively aim to boost the overall quality of care offered in the ICU setting, directly impacting patient safety and recovery times.
Top 5 metrics for Reduce CLABSI in ICU
1. CLABSI Incidence Rate
The number of central line-associated bloodstream infections per 1,000 central line days
What good looks like for this metric: Typical rates are below 1.0 per 1,000 line days
How to improve this metric:- Ensure adherence to insertion and maintenance protocols
- Conduct routine infection control training for staff
- Implement a checklist for central line insertion
- Review and enhance hand hygiene adherence
- Utilise antimicrobial-impregnated catheters
2. Central Line Utilisation Ratio
The proportion of patient days for which central lines are used
What good looks like for this metric: Aim for a ratio below 0.5
How to improve this metric:- Assess necessity of central lines daily
- Opt for alternative access methods when possible
- Educate staff on risks of unnecessary central line usage
- Implement daily rounds to evaluate central line need
- Standardize criteria for central line removal
3. Hand Hygiene Compliance Rate
The percentage of times hand hygiene is properly performed as per the protocol before and after handling central lines
What good looks like for this metric: Target compliance rate of ≥90%
How to improve this metric:- Install hand hygiene stations near patient beds
- Use electronic monitoring systems for hand hygiene
- Conduct regular compliance audits
- Provide feedback to staff on hand hygiene performance
- Introduce incentives for high compliance rates
4. Catheter Duration
Average duration (in days) central lines are kept in place
What good looks like for this metric: Strive for minimal duration necessary for patient care
How to improve this metric:- Review catheter need daily with a multidisciplinary team
- Set standard guidelines for acceptable catheter duration
- Promote patient involvement in daily catheter necessity evaluation
- Train staff to identify early signs of infection
- Utilize IT solutions to track catheter data and prompt removal
5. Staff Training Hours on CLABSI Prevention
The total number of training hours completed by staff on preventing CLABSI annually
What good looks like for this metric: Minimum of 10 hours per staff member annually
How to improve this metric:- Schedule regular training sessions throughout the year
- Incorporate e-learning modules for flexible access
- Engage staff with simulation-based learning
- Utilise external experts for specialized training
- Evaluate training effectiveness with pre- and post-tests
How to track Reduce CLABSI in ICU metrics
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your metrics.
