Nursing Protocols Help Lower Infection Rates
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1997-2005 MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) central line associated bloodstream infections declined by 50 percent in intensive care units except pediatric units where rates of incidence remained the same.
The specific cause of the decline is unknown but CDC researchers acknowledge that numerous steps have been taken to improve the safety of catheter insertion and care. Successful hospitals are utilizing a collaborative approach forming teams including medical directors, nurse managers, infection control and others involved in central line placement, access and maintenance. These teams are responsible for creating protocols and processes as well as making recommendations for implementation.
One step hospitals have taken to help eliminate infections is utilization of prepackaged kits for catheter insertion. For more information on other strategies for infection prevention, continue reading here.
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