Mrs. Alison Hilton1, Miss Emily Chapple1, Dr Rhonda Stuart1
1Epworth Healthcare, East Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Alison Hilton is the Infection Prevention and Control Clinical Nurse Consultant Site Lead at Epworth Freemasons, a role she has held since 2021. Alison has almost 30 years of nursing experience, and postgraduate qualifications in Infection Prevention and Control.
Abstract:
Issue
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are healthcare-associated infections linked to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilisation. An increased prevalence of CLABSIs was identified by the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team in the Haematology/Oncology ward.
Actions
A retrospective review of CLABSI events from 1st August 2023 until 30th August 2024 was undertaken. Data collected from this period included patient demographics, organism, central line details (type, insertion site, time to infection), and outcomes (ICU admission, mortality). In addition, aseptic technique and hand hygiene audits were reviewed; staff were engaged and encouraged to provide feedback on workflows and barriers to adherence to hospital protocols in the management of central venous access devices (CVAD).
A multidisciplinary taskforce was established with executive, nursing, medical, IPAC, and education representation, which analysed the findings to identify systemic and procedural gaps. From these insights, five interventions were recommended and implemented as a bundle: use of positive displacement valves, purchase of trolleys for aseptic procedures, practical competency assessments on CVAD management and the collection of central line days. In November 2024, the bundle was implemented.
Results
Since the implementation of the intervention bundle on 11th November 2024 to May 2025, there have been no hospital-associated CLABSI events on the Haematology/Oncology ward.
Conclusions and Lessons Learnt
A structured, multidisciplinary approach to CLABSI prevention informed by data-driven analysis and frontline feedback, led to the successful reduction of hospital-associated CLABSI events in a high-risk clinical setting. This model demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative quality improvement initiatives in enhancing patient safety.