Preventing bloodstream infections: a measurable national success story in quality improvement

Health Aff (Millwood). 2011 Apr;30(4):628-34. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2011.0047.

Abstract

Over the past decade, advances in the quality of care have been slow. One area of success, however, has been in combating central line-associated bloodstream infections. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that the number of patients in US intensive care units suffering a central-line infection declined by 63 percent between 2001 and 2009. We describe the multistep process taken by many stakeholders-states, federal agencies, hospital associations, regulatory and nonprofit associations, clinicians, and local hospitals-to collaborate on the successful reduction and eradication of these infections. Having begun in Michigan, this program has spread to forty-five states, has shown sustained results in reducing hospital-associated infections and mortality, and constitutes an important measurable national success story in quality improvement and a model for improving the health and safety of Americans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteremia / prevention & control*
  • Catheter-Related Infections / prevention & control*
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
  • Cross Infection
  • Humans
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Quality Improvement
  • Safety Management
  • United States