CONTROL OF CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER-ASSOCIATED (CVC) INFECTIONS IN THE MEDICAL WARDS OF TURKU UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL (TYKS) IN FINLAND
Kirsi Terho1, Tiina Kurvinen1, , 1Turku University Hospital, Turku Finland
Background
Central venous catheterization (CVC) was a risk factor in up to half of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (BSIs) in medical wards of tertiary care hospital with 26.000 patient days (PD) each year. Hand hygiene was suboptimal in aseptic procedures and CVC maintenance was not performed as recommended. The aim of this study was to reduce CVC-related infections through evidence-based and collaborative practices.
Methods
Intervention focused on practices from CVC insertion to removal, which included training on new tools and procedures in addition to an CVC -online course up to bed-side training organised by the Infection Control team. Progress was monitored through attendance, and alcohol-hand rub (ABHR) consumption and CVC-related infection surveillance.
Results
Interventions resulted in a 61% reduction in BSIs from 2016 to 2019 (0.96 to 0.37/1000 PD). Consumption of ABHR increased 19% from 70 to 83 liters/1000 PD. Training sessions attended by 84% (380/452) of staff and 38% participated simulation training. In 2019, 230 people had completed the CVC online-course. After the intensified interventions, BSI rate increased to the previous level (0.88/1000 PD) in 2021-2022.
Conclusions
The multimodal approach achieved a reduction in CVC-related BSIs. However, in the wards with poor attendance at training sessions, CVC -related BSIs remained high. Unfortunately, the positive trend came to a halt during the COVID-19 epidemic. Infection control requires continuous reminder, education and effective surveillance.
Biography
The authors are long-term infection control professionals from Finland. They work in the Infection Control Unit in Turku University Hospital.