Impact of a dedicated infusion therapy team on the reduction of catheter-related nosocomial infections

Abstract

This article presents the results of a prevalence research study conducted at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, VA. This research study assessed the impact of implementing a dedicated infusion therapy team to provide central vascular catheter care and administration of total parental nutrition (TPN) on the rate of nosocomial bacteremia. Data were collected from monthly infection control reports and retrospective chart reviews conducted by infusion nurses. Nosocomial bacteremia rates are compared before and after implementation of infusion therapy central venous catheter and TPN administration intervention.