Bundle Up: Preventing Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections

Abstract

Central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs) are problematic nosocomial, or hospital acquired, infections. They amplify cost of care through increased resource utilization for treatment coupled with a prolonged length of stay for patients. Thus, it is very important for hospitals to decrease or eliminate these infections. A central line “care bundle” is one proposed intervention that focuses on reducing the incidence of CLABSIs. A literature review was conducted to determine if the implementation of bundled infection control practices for adult patients in whom central lines are placed lessens the risk of contracting a CLABSI as compared to not using a bundle. A search of CINAHL, Medline, and PubMed revealed 10 studies demonstrating the effectiveness of a bundle. These results are significant to the nursing community as they indicate improved patient outcomes through decreased occurrence of CLABSIs.