Trailblazers: Small Things Matter in Infection Prevention
Even the smallest details can have a major impact on patient safety. A new AHA Trailblazers report, “Small Things Matter in Infection Prevention,” explores how hospitals are expanding surveillance programs to include peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) and other vascular access devices — an area that represents both high volume and untapped opportunity for infection prevention.
The report outlines how hospitals can strengthen infection surveillance across three fronts:
- People: Collaboration between infection preventionists and vascular-access teams to standardize insertion and maintenance practices.
- Processes: Establishing bundles or checklists that guide line insertion, addressing changes and daily evaluation of whether IVs still are needed.
- Technology: Using antimicrobial dressings, disinfecting caps and improved documentation systems to track adherence and outcomes.
UC San Diego Health and Baylor Scott & White Health are among the systems leading this shift. UC San Diego Health integrated PIVC checks and root-cause reviews into its infection prevention rounds, while Baylor Scott & White adopted systemwide best-practice bundles, improving dwell time and reducing bloodstream infections. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT.
