Striving to eliminate catheter-related bloodstream infections: A literature review of evidence-based strategies

This report has three objectives. First, to provide a concise summary of the current state of mandatory reporting legislation on nosocomial infection rates. Second, to identify and briefly summarize the evidence-based patient safety practices shown to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections. And, finally, to demonstrate the significant cost benefit hospitals may achieve by undertaking programs to prevent these device-associated infections. Specifically, the following topics are addressed: public policy, prevention strategies and their clinical impact, role of technology, and economic implications.