The plan aims to reduce central line infections in healthcare settings by improving key metrics. These include the CLABSI Rate, measured per 1,000 central line days, which highlights the infection frequency. Keeping CLABSI rates within the benchmark of 0.8 is crucial for patient safety.
Ensuring high compliance with the central line bundle protocol, targeting 95% adherence, is essential to minimize infection risks. Regular staff training and standardized protocols play a key role.
Monitoring the duration of central lines, which should ideally be between 5-7 days, helps prevent prolonged exposure and infection risks. Additionally, tracking infection rates post-line removal and patient health improvements post-implementation ensures comprehensive infection control.
Top 5 metrics for Central Line Infection Standards
1. Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) Rate
This metric calculates the number of CLABSIs per 1,000 central line days in a healthcare setting
What good looks like for this metric: 0.8 infections per 1,000 central line days
How to improve this metric:- Enhance hand hygiene protocols
- Utilise aseptic techniques during insertion
- Conduct regular staff training on line care
- Implement daily reviews of line necessity
- Use antimicrobial or antiseptic impregnated catheters
2. Compliance with Central Line Bundle
The percentage of adherence to a proven protocol bundle that reduces infection risk during central line placements
What good looks like for this metric: 95% compliance
How to improve this metric:- Standardise use of full barrier precautions
- Ensure appropriate skin antiseptic application
- Optimise the line insertion site based on risk
- Introduce audits and feedback systems
- Train staff regularly on bundle compliance
3. Central Line Duration
The average number of days a central line remains in place
What good looks like for this metric: 5-7 days
How to improve this metric:- Regularly assess the necessity of each line
- Establish protocols for early removal
- Increase awareness through patient education
- Develop an interdisciplinary line management team
- Use checklists to monitor line use
4. Infection Rate Post-Line Removal
Measures the incidence of infection detected within 48 hours post-central line removal
What good looks like for this metric: Below 5%
How to improve this metric:- Monitor signs of infection post-removal
- Improve patient follow-up procedures
- Offer training on signs of potential complications
- Educate patients on post-removal care
- Investigate and address removal technique issues
5. Patient Improvement Post-Implementation
Tracks the improvement in patient health outcomes following the implementation of infection control measures
What good looks like for this metric: Improvement rate above 90%
How to improve this metric:- Collect and analyse patient feedback
- Regularly update infection control protocols
- Introduce new control measures based on data
- Facilitate a collaborative care approach
- Invest in continuous staff development
How to track Central Line Infection Standards metrics
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your metrics.
