Reduction of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Rates in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Collaborative: A Four-Year Surveillance

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of central venous catheters has permitted lifesaving treatment for critically ill neonates; however, the attributable mortality rate for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) has been estimated to be between 4% and 20%. In 2006/2007, the authors’ neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) had a CLABSI rate that was nearly twofold higher than that reported by other Canadian NICUs.