The Particulars: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are frequently used throughout hospitals nationwide, and related bloodstream infections are common among recipients of these devices. A hospital-wide training program focusing on the significance of these infections may help reduce the burden.

Data Breakdown: For a study, anesthesiologists and intensive care specialists were trained by 20 perspective 4-hour simulator workshops in CVC insertion. Nurses throughout the hospital were also trained in CVC care by their supervisors via a web-based modular e-learning program. Following training, quarterly CVC-related blood stream infections were reduced 8.2% hospital-wide, by 10.6% in the ICU, and by 7.4% in non-ICU settings.

Take Home Pearls: A multimodal, multidisciplinary training program appears to significantly reduce the incidence of hospital-wide CVC-related bloodstream infections.

Author