Newton Medical Center was among a group of Kansas hospitals that recently celebrated the success of a statewide initiative to reduce the incidence of bloodstream infections caused through the use of central-line catheters. The results of the two-year effort by 59 hospitals across the state were presented at a wrap-up meeting held June 15 by the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative in Topeka.
According to data collected and analyzed by the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, the Kansas hospitals collectively reduced the incidence of central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) by 79 percent while participating in the “On the CUSP: Stop BSI” initiative, a national effort to reduce health care-associated infections.
Newton Medical Center, Critical Care Unit, received recognition for success in promoting patient safety and reduction of bloodstream infections to zero for the period June, 2011 – July, 2012.
According to Robert Geist, MPH, Epidemiologist, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Healthcare-Associated Infections Program, “Kansas hospitals are actively striving to improve patient safety by participating in initiatives such as Kansas on the CUSP: STOP BSI. Data collected by KDHE mirrors CUSP data and suggests significantly fewer central-line associated bloodstream infections.”
The Kansas Healthcare (KHC) Collaborative executive director Kendra Tinsley said, “Clearly, we are thrilled with the success of Kansas hospitals, and are energized to continue our coordinate efforts to improve quality together. It is important to have KDHE validating the reduction in bloodstream infections as well.”
These types of quality improvement efforts in Kansas will continue with hospitals participating in the Kansas Hospital Engagement Network (HEN), another national initiative that runs through 2013. In the HEN initiative, the goal is to reduce inpatient harm by 40% and cut readmissions by 20% at participating hospitals by the end of 2013.
Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and excess costs in the United States. Approximately 99,000 deaths and $40 billion in excess costs are reported each year as a result of these infections. CLABSIs have a high mortality rate, with one in four such infections resulting in death. Also costly, the infections increase hospital costs per infection approximately $53,000.
Preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is a priority for patient safety and eliminating unnecessary health care costs. Medicare now publicly reports CLABSI and by 2014, Medicare payments will be reduced for hospitals with high rates of HAI.
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) is a provider-led organization. Its mission is to transform health care through patient-centered initiatives that improve quality, safety and value. For more information about the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative visit www.khconline.org.