(09) CLABSI Crew: Interdisciplinary Rounding as an Innovative Approach to CLABSI Prevention

Title: Observational audits of the CLABSI prevention bundle increased by 82% providing information that could inform unit-specific initiatives.

Abstract : CLABSI Crew: Interdisciplinary Rounding as an Innovative Approach to CLABSI Prevention
Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) is a preventable hospital-acquired condition that significantly affects patient safety. In 2021, the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital reported a CLABSI rate of 1.36 per 1,000 central line days, highlighting the need for a structured prevention approach. This quality improvement initiative aimed to reduce CLABSI rates in pediatric and NICU units by forming an interdisciplinary team called the "CLABSI Crew" in January 2022. The crew, consisting of healthcare professionals and two parent advisors, conducted bedside rounding on all patients with central lines to identify gaps in best practices.
The initiative included a 2-hour online education session in March 2022 on the CLABSI prevention bundle and audit tools, followed by the first CLABSI Crew Day in April 2022, where real-time audits were performed and coaching provided. In the second year, audit questions were refined to focus on bedside conversations. The team monitored adherence to the prevention bundle and tracked CLABSI rates. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate trends and the impact of real-time feedback.
Post-implementation, the hospital saw a 36% reduction in the CLABSI rate in 2022 compared to 2021, with rates remaining below 1 per 1,000-line days in subsequent years.
(Graph 1, CLABSI events and rates)
Observational audits increased by 82%, providing valuable root cause data that informed unit-specific initiatives, including Vascular Access Device education days and the use of Prevantics® wipes. While bundle compliance remained consistent, increased auditing enhanced nurses' ability to apply the prevention bundle and raised awareness among providers.
(Table 1, Bundle Compliance)
This initiative strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration and promoted consistency in best practices. It also emphasized the importance of continuous education, targeted interventions, and proactive patient/family engagement in sustaining infection prevention efforts.