Central line-associated bloodstream infection rates increased during the Omicron surge at our rural academic medical center. To identify potential drivers of this increase, we investigated period- and patient-specific factors associated with the increase in CLABSI. Increased central line utilization, decreased central line bundle compliance monitoring, increased proportion of traveling nurses, increased short-term venous catheter use in internal jugular vein, increased multi-lumen catheter use, decreased port-associated infection, and increased patient acuity were significantly associated with the surge. Our results helped us target our local infection prevention efforts.
Kang H, Stewart KO, Khan AN, et al. Am J Infect Control:S0196-6553(23)00331-0. Doi : 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.04.168. Online ahead of print.