Daily chlorohexidine gluconate bathing with impregnated cloths results in statistically significant reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections.

BACKGROUND

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and excessive cost of care.

METHODS

This study was an observational cohort study using historical controls in the setting of a 9-bed surgical intensive care unit in a Level I trauma center; all patients admitted or transferred into the unit were enrolled in the study.

OBJECTIVES

A quality improvement intervention protocol was instituted to reduce CLABSI incidence with a 3-month effectiveness study using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated cloths for daily patient bathing; education of surgical intensive care unit staff on changes to CLABSI prevention protocol and all existing CLABSI prevention policies and bundles already in place; and compliance monitoring and documentation.

RESULTS

The 3-month effectiveness study showed a decrease in CLABSI rates from 12.07 CLABSIs per 1000 central line-days to 3.17 CLABSIs per 1000 central line-days (73.7% rate reduction; P = .0358).

CONCLUSION

CLABSI incidence rates were reduced in a high-risk patient population using evidence-based prevention bundles and implementing daily bathing with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate nonrinse cloths.