The study was conducted at an academically affiliated tertiary medical center. The authors of the study established a mandatory electronic communication tool based on clinical practice guidelines, and mandated use of the tool for all inpatient adult PICCs. Then, the researchers compared quality and cost measures for 200 PICCs pre- and post-implementation of the mandatory electronic communication tool.
The results revealed:
- Central-line associated bloodstream infections decreased from 1.38 per 1,000 catheter days to zero per 1,000 catheter days
- Zero provider-led PICC removals were premature
- An overall decrease in premature PICC removals of 84 percent
- A decrease in the total complication rate from 45.5 percent to 24 percent
- Radiology costs decreased by 25 percent
More articles on catheters:
Catheter ‘alert’ system changes color of urine when superbugs present
Central line care maintenance bundle improves catheter dressing care, study finds
UTI intervention remains successful for 8 years, study finds
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.