Small Things Matter in Infection Prevention
Approaches to Expanding Infection and Prevention and Surveillance Across Vascular Access Devices
Hospital-acquired infections remain a top priority for health system leaders—especially bloodstream infections tied to vascular access devices. Each year, clinicians insert hundreds of millions of peripheral IV catheters (PIVCs), and while the risk of infection from a single IV is low, the sheer volume makes them a significant patient safety and financial concern.
This AHA Trailblazers report, “Small Things Matter in Infection Prevention,” explores how hospitals and health systems are expanding surveillance programs beyond central lines to include all vascular access devices. The report highlights how aligning people, processes, and technology can help prevent catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CABSIs) and reduce hospital-onset bacteremia (HOBs).
Sponsored by:
TrailBLAZERS
Case Study: UC San Diego Health
Intervention is the Best Prevention
At UC San Diego Health, infection preventionist Aryeh Feldheim helped translate research into action by demonstrating that infection risks from peripheral IVs were comparable to those from central lines. His team developed standardized maintenance bundles, built PIVC checks into daily rounds, and implemented faster, multidisciplinary reviews after infection events. These changes have led to fewer unnecessary IVs and a stronger culture of safety across the system.
Case Study: Baylor Scott & White Health
Building a Clinical and Business Case for Action
Baylor Scott & White Health found that bloodstream infections from peripheral IVs were occurring more often than those from central lines. Nurse manager Max Holder led a systemwide rollout of two evidence-based PIVC bundles, supported by new staff training, simulation assessments, and real-time data dashboards. The initiative has improved consistency in IV care, reduced infection costs, and reinforced the system’s “zero-harm” commitment to patient safety.