Cedar County Memorial Hospital: Communication Is Key to Reducing CAUTI and CLABSI

Multiple interventions are driving quality improvements to reduce healthcare-associated infections at Cedar County Memorial Hospital in El Dorado Springs, Mo. The common threads in all interventions are effective daily communication and follow-up.

The 25-bed critical access hospital focused on reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic as patients’ lengths of stay and catheter days increased. The infection prevention director started attending the nurses’ report meetings, scheduled every morning, to discuss patients who have catheters and central lines and determine whether those lines are needed or can be removed. This daily communication helps nurses who have been off shift for a few days stay informed.

Each month, nurses working the midnight shift complete a clipboard sheet that documents how many patients have catheters and central lines and the number of days each have been in place. In addition, when any catheters or central lines are ordered and inserted, the computer automatically prompts questions about the need and reason for the placement. Quality control was also consulted to brainstorm ways to keep all these processes top of mind for nurses.

These interventions build trust and credibility among nurses and other team members, which contributes to HAI prevention at the hospital. “In reducing HAIs, happy nurses that see the success of their efforts ultimately mean happier and healthier patients,” said Chris Roe, utilization review and infection prevention nurse.