Dissertation
Preventing Intravenous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) are costly and potentially fatal hospital-acquired infections. Among the most effective evidence-based interventions for reducing CRBSIs is the consistent use of alcohol-based disinfecting caps on needleless connector ports and syringe tips. Anesthesia providers, who frequently place and manage intravascular devices (e.g. central line, peripheral IV, etc.), are uniquely positioned to impact CRBSI rates through strict adherence to such preventive measures.Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce CRBSIs at a large academic medical center.Methods: The Iowa Model for Evidence-Based Practice guided project implementation. 108 pre-intervention audits were performed (July 2024), followed by a targeted education period which included in-person presentations and electronic data dissemination to anesthesia personnel (October 2024). Then, 25 post-intervention audits were collected per week for a four week period (November 2024) to assess the effectiveness of the project intervention. Reminders were created (electronic pop-ups, visual aid posters) to help support project sustainability. Findings: Average utilization of alcohol-based disinfecting caps on syringe tips improved by 44% and by 68% on needleless connector ports. Self-reported anesthesia provider knowledge increased from a Likert-scale average of 3.2 (average knowledge) to 4.18 (above average knowledge). Hospital CRBSI rates (per 1,000 catheter days) declined by 85% from October 2024 (1.3) to February 2025 (0.2).Discussion: Targeted education and visual reminders improved knowledge and utilization of disinfecting caps among anesthesia providers. Results indicated a positive trend in practice change and a potential association with reduced CRBSI rates. Sustaining improvement may require ongoing reinforcement, better workflow integration, and leadership support. This project supports alcohol-based disinfecting caps as a valuable component of CRBSI prevention strategies.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Preventing Intravenous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections
- Creators
- Alex Kordas - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Cormac O'Sullivan (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Alex Kordas
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841038402771
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