central-line

Still, a survey released this summer by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology says the battle to reduce central-line infections continues because hospitals aren't dedicating the time and educational resources necessary, and health-care leaders aren't committed to solving the problem.

Do No Harm 2010

Every year some 80,000 patients develop central-line infections and about 30,000 die, at a cost of more than $2billion.

Do No Harm 2010

And among hospitals that reported in both years, the overall rate of infections per 1,000 central-line days declined slightly, from 1.8 to 1.6.

Hospital infections declining, CR analysis and CDC report suggest 2011

That compares with 13 infections in 1,937 central-line days in our prior analysis, which was four times worse than the national average.

Hospital infections declining, CR analysis and CDC report suggest 2011

For example, Kaiser Woodland Hills, in the Los Angles area, reported just 1 infection in 1,338 central-line days, a rate 50 percent better than the national average.

Hospital infections declining, CR analysis and CDC report suggest 2011

In our current analysis, 86 hospitals reported having at least double the national average for central-line infections.

Hospital infections declining, CR analysis and CDC report suggest 2011

The CDC report indicated that between 2001 and 2009 there was a 58 percent reduction in central-line infections in ICUs.

Hospital infections declining, CR analysis and CDC report suggest 2011

It found that the percentage of facilities reporting no central-line infections in their intensive-care units increased slightly, from 11 percent in our March 2010 analysis to 13 percent in our current one.

Hospital infections declining, CR analysis and CDC report suggest 2011

Among the effective tools is a simple 5-step checklist hospitals can use to prevent central-line infections.

Hospital infections declining, CR analysis and CDC report suggest 2011

We looked at central-line infections, a particularly deadly form of infection, reported in 1,043 hospitals in 44 states plus the District of Columbia.

Hospital infections declining, CR analysis and CDC report suggest 2011