On May 16, 2012, The Joint Commission announced a new monograph that aims to decrease central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs).  Research and guidance compiled in the monograph indicates that the risk of serious bloodstream infections associated with the use of central venous catheters (CVCs) can be significantly reduced by following evidence-based guidelines for insertion and maintenance of CVCs.  The 152-page monograph contains information about the following:

• The types of central venous catheters and risk factors for and pathogenesis of CLABSIs
• The evidence-based guidelines, position papers, patient safety initiatives, and published literature on CLABSI and its prevention
• CLABSI prevention strategies, techniques and technologies, and barriers to best practices
• CLABSI surveillance, benchmarking, and public reporting
• The economic aspects of CLABSIs and their prevention, including the current approaches to developing a business case for infection prevention resources

According to The Joint Commission’s press release, available by clicking here, publication of this monograph is phase one of a project (funded by Baxter Healthcare Corporation) to identify and disseminate information and solutions to help prevent CLASBI.  Phase two will be the development of a “toolkit” including evidence- and expert-based interventions, guidelines, and resources for organizations seeking to reduce CLASBI rates.  The monograph is available by clicking here. 

Hospitals should note that CMS has proposed adding CLABSI rates to the outcome domain of the 2015 Value-Based Purchasing program.  CMS has proposed that the performance period for the measure would begin January 26, 2013. 

Reporter, Susan Banks, Washington, D.C., +1 202 626 2953, sbanks@kslaw.com.