Improving Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Rates Through Implementation of a Standardized Maintenance Bundle in Intensive Care Units
Advisor(s)
Dr. Angela Spallinger
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 11:50 AM
Abstract
Abstract
Problem: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) remain a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Inconsistent adherence to evidence-based central line maintenance guidelines continues to lead to infections. Improving compliance with standard central line practices through education and maintenance bundles is essential to reducing these hospital-acquired infections.
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to assess whether the implementation of a nurse-driven central line maintenance bundle can reduce CLABSI rates in adult intensive care unit patients compared to standard care practices before the bundle's implementation.
Methods: This will be a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design in an adult ICU. Nurses caring for patients with central lines and providing central line maintenance in the ICU will be the target population. An evidence-based central line maintenance bundle, including dressing- change protocols, daily assessment, chlorhexidine baths, and staff education, will be implemented. Pre-surveys will measure nurse CLABSI prevention compliance and incidence of CLABSI in the ICU for the six months prior to intervention. For six months following education and bundle implementation, nurse compliance and incidence of CLABSIs in the ICU will be measured.
Conclusion: Reducing infection rates improves patient outcomes, decreases healthcare costs, and enhances quality care. Implementing a standard maintenance bundle is expected to improve CLABSI rates in the ICU. Nurses play a critical role in central line maintenance and infection prevention, which directly affects patient safety and care.
Recommended Citation
Buehler, Hollie, "Improving Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Rates Through Implementation of a Standardized Maintenance Bundle in Intensive Care Units" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 39.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/39
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Improving Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Rates Through Implementation of a Standardized Maintenance Bundle in Intensive Care Units
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Abstract
Problem: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) remain a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Inconsistent adherence to evidence-based central line maintenance guidelines continues to lead to infections. Improving compliance with standard central line practices through education and maintenance bundles is essential to reducing these hospital-acquired infections.
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to assess whether the implementation of a nurse-driven central line maintenance bundle can reduce CLABSI rates in adult intensive care unit patients compared to standard care practices before the bundle's implementation.
Methods: This will be a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design in an adult ICU. Nurses caring for patients with central lines and providing central line maintenance in the ICU will be the target population. An evidence-based central line maintenance bundle, including dressing- change protocols, daily assessment, chlorhexidine baths, and staff education, will be implemented. Pre-surveys will measure nurse CLABSI prevention compliance and incidence of CLABSI in the ICU for the six months prior to intervention. For six months following education and bundle implementation, nurse compliance and incidence of CLABSIs in the ICU will be measured.
Conclusion: Reducing infection rates improves patient outcomes, decreases healthcare costs, and enhances quality care. Implementing a standard maintenance bundle is expected to improve CLABSI rates in the ICU. Nurses play a critical role in central line maintenance and infection prevention, which directly affects patient safety and care.