Surveillance of intravenous catheter-related infections among home care clients.

BACKGROUND

Infection control in home care is an important area of study, and infection related to home infusion therapy is one component.

METHODS

According to billed supplies from a 6-month period, we identified clients receiving intravenous care and conducted a chart review to determine characteristics and infection status. We reviewed each client from the start of a continuous home care period through April 30, 1992.

RESULTS

Care of the catheters was done by nurses, family care givers, or the clients themselves. Intravenous catheter-related infections-site infections and bacteremia-occurred in three (4.5%) of the sample of 67; bacteremia occurred in one (1.5%). Incidence density was 12.5 infections per 10,000 catheter days (4.2 bacteremias per 10,000 days). Among those with central lines who remained without infection, 22.9% had the same line in place for 90 days or more. Among those with peripheral lines who remained without infection, 14.3% had a peripheral line, which was changed during home care, for 30 days or longer.

CONCLUSIONS

Home care agencies seeking accreditation from the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations need to establish surveillance systems; this may be one method to monitor device-related infections and to determine baseline rates.