FG Handout _5_HAI Display_1_26_2011

Formative Research

Focus Group Handout #5

Serious Complications	Healthcare-Associated Infections Lower Rates Are Better
Deaths from Selected Medical Conditions		AVERAGE FOR ALL REPORTING HOSPITALS IN THE U.S.	EDGEFIELD HOSPITAL	RIVER VIEW HOSPITAL	MITCHELL HOSPITAL
Hospital-Acquired Conditions
Healthcare-Associated Infections
	Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection	0.70 infections for every 1,000 days central line catheter in place	0.70 infections for every 1,000 days central line catheter in place	1.59 infections for every 1,000 days central line catheter in place	0.45 infections for every 1,000 days central line catheter in place

Name

Description

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) (Bloodstream infections caused by a central catheter)

A central line-associated bloodstream infection is a serious infection that occurs when germs enter the bloodstream through a central line. A central line is a tube that healthcare providers place in a large vein in the neck, chest, or arm to give fluids, blood, or medications or to do certain medical tests quickly. It may be left in place for several weeks. Patients who develop a catheter-associated blood­stream infection may become ill with fevers and chills or the skin around the catheter may become sore and red. Hospital staff can prevent catheter-associated bloodstream infections by: Choosing a vein where the catheter can be safely inserted and where the risk for infection is small; Keeping the catheter sterile when putting it in place by cleaning their hands beforehand; wearing a mask, cap, sterile gown, and sterile gloves; covering the patient with a sterile sheet; and cleaning the patient’s skin Keeping the opening clean, washing their hands, and using sterile gloves, when using the catheter to draw blood or give medications, or when changing the bandage Removing the catheter as soon as it is no longer needed.

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