Use of a policy-driven education program to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infection rates.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) account for a significant portion of hospital-acquired infections. Current research supports the use of chlorhexidine for site cleansing and staff education programs on infection-control practices to reduce CLABSI rates. This project evaluates the efficacy of implementing site cleaning policies and protocols and formal staff education in reducing CLABSI rates in a critical access hospital. Efficacy was measured by infection rates per 1000 catheter days through a retrospective chart review before and after implementation of a policy and protocol bundle and staff education.