AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Evidence-Based Bundle Increases Adherence to Recommended Practices, Leading to Fewer Central Line Infections and Lower Hospital Costs

Evidence-Based Bundle Increases Adherence to Recommended Practices, Leading to Fewer Central Line Infections and Lower Hospital Costs

Summary
Intensive care units in eight hospitals affiliated with the Greater Cincinnati Health Council implemented a bundle of evidence-based interventions designed to reduce the incidence of central line infections based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the medical literature. The interventions include adhering strictly to proper handwashing techniques, using maximum barrier precautions for staff and patients, and using chlorhexidine gluconate antiseptic instead of betadine during catheter placement. Teams at each hospital headed by an infection control specialist take responsibility for implementing the bundle, documenting and reporting adherence to each component. Within 1 year, compliance with evidence-based practices at four of the hospitals rose significantly, leading to a 75-percent reduction in infections and annual cost avoidance of approximately $1 million. (Data from the other four hospitals are not available.)

Evidence Rating
Moderate: The evidence consists of pre- and post-implementation comparisons of guideline compliance and central line infection rates, along with a cost savings estimate based on the reduction in infections.

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AHRQ Innovations Exchange | Evidence-Based Bundle Increases Adherence to Recommended Practices, Leading to Fewer Central Line Infections and Lower Hospital Costs