Reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections in the cardiac intensive care unit with a coordinated strategy and nursing staff empowerment.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. The use of urinary catheters is associated with several complications and increased mortality and morbidity. At the coronary intensive care unit (CICU) of a tertiary cardiac care facility, the CAUTI rate was 7.6/1000 catheter days in January 2017. In collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, we implemented evidence-based practices in the form of bundles based on the value improvement methodology to eliminate CAUTIs in the CICU. METHODS: This initiative aimed to reduce the CAUTI rate using a multifaceted approach. The key interventions were empowering front-line nurses for automatic stop orders and ensuring compliance to the catheter insertion and maintenance bundles. We used a model for improvement and tested the changes using small plan-do-study-act cycles. Surveillance methods and CAUTI definitions proposed by the National Healthcare Safety Network were used to monitor the outcomes. Monthly rates of CAUTIs 24 months before the intervention were compared with those 44 months after the intervention using an independent t-test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The rate of CAUTIs dropped from 7.6 per 1000 catheter days in January 2017 to 0 from October 2021 to August 2022. The unit had achieved 280 calendar days free of CAUTI untill August 2022. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioural changes, including empowerment of nurses and adherence to all elements of the care bundle, led to significant and sustained improvement in reducing the CAUTI rate in the adult CICU.

Bundle approach used to achieve zero central line-associated bloodstream infections in an adult coronary intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheterisation is commonly used in critical patients in intensive care units (ICU). It may cause complications and attribute to increase mortality and morbidity. At coronary ICU (CICU) of cardiac hospital, central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate was 2.82/1000 central line days in 2015 and 3.11/1000 central line days in 2016. Working in collaboration with Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), we implemented evidence-based practices in the form of bundles in with the aim of eliminating CLABSI in CICU. METHODS: In collaboration with IHI, we worked on this initiative as multidisciplinary team and tested several changes. CLABSI prevention bundles were tested and implemented, single kit for line insertion, simulation-based training for line insertions, standardised and real-time bundle monitoring by direct observations are key interventions tested. We used model for improvement and changes were tested using small Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Surveillance methods and CLABSI definition used according to National Healthcare Safety Network. RESULTS: The CLABSI rate per 1000 patient-days dropped from 3.1 per 1000 device-days to 0.4 per 1000 device-days. We achieved 757 days free of CLABSI in the unit till December 2018 when a single case happened. After that we achieved 602 free days till July 2020 and still counting. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of evidence-based CLABSI prevention bundle and process monitoring by direct observation led to significant and subsequently sustained improvement in reducing CLABSI rate in adult CICU.

Safe Echocardiographic Practice in Hamad Medical Corporation during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has strained our healthcare system. Certain changes in practice were mandatory to protect our sonographers who carry a very high risk of being infected, and the patients whom we serve. This article aims to share this experience with you.

Group A Streptococcus Toxic Shock Syndrome: An outbreak report and review of the literature.

Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is an acute, rapidly progressive, and often fatal illness. Outbreaks can occur in hospitals. However, early infection control measures may interrupt transmissions and prevent morbidity and mortality. Two cases of invasive GAS TSS were diagnosed within 48h after two uncomplicated laparoscopic surgeries that were performed in the same operating room of a women's hospital. Investigations conducted by the infection prevention and control department of the hospital identified 46 obstetrical staff members who were involved in the surgeries and/or had contact with either of the patients. All of the staff members were interviewed regarding any recent history of upper respiratory tract infections, the presence of skin lesions and vaginal or rectal symptoms. Throat, rectal, and vaginal cultures were obtained two times from all of the involved staff members. Throat colonization with GAS was detected in the cultures from one obstetrical intern who attended the 1st surgery and from one nurse who had formerly worked in the postnatal ward. These two strains were epidemiologically different from each other and from the outbreak strain. Both carriers were suspended from direct patient care and were treated with a ten-day course of oral clindamycin. The success of their decolonization status was assessed at the end of therapy and at three, six, nine and twelve months thereafter before reassigning them to routine work. Unfortunately, in spite of the extensive investigation of all involved personnel and of the environment, the mode of transmission to the second patient could not be established. However, droplet or airborne transmission could not be ruled out. Early and meticulous implementation of infection control measures was crucial and instrumental in the successful management and control of this outbreak. Furthermore, there were no subsequent GAS cases detected during the 24 months following the outbreak.