Engaging the Front Line: A Case Study on Implementing Lean Methodology to Improve Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections.

Employee engagement is a key driver in achieving successful quality improvement initiatives. An important aspect of engagement is enabling the nursing staff to have a role in problem solving at the front line, thus improving productivity. Finding an appropriate methodology that resonates with the frontline staff can be challenging.

Emergency Department Initiative to Improve Sepsis Core Measure Compliance: A Hospital Network Approach.

The topic of sepsis has been realized among the last 20 years. A majority of patients with sepsis enter the health system through the emergency department, and health professionals need to provide evidence-based care. Within the health system, interdepartmental teams were formed with the purpose to set a system-wide standard to meet the evidence-based practice standards for sepsis.

Utilization of Institute for Health Care Improvement Tools to Develop a Mortality Review Process.

Mortality rates have emerged as one of the main metrics determining quality of care within a hospital. In an effort to evaluate cases, this article illustrates the use of the Institute of Healthcare Improvement Global Trigger Tool as well as the implementation of a 3-prong review process in a large, urban teaching facility. In addition, the findings of the evaluation process are shared.

Determining Nursing Education Needs During a Rapidly Changing COVID-19 Environment.

COVID-19 created an environment that required rapid implementation of procedures and processes to minimize transmission. This led to an urgent response from the Department of Professional Practice and Education to implement education to a large number of personnel. This article describes strategies and methods employed to meet the training demands at a time when resources and supplies were limited.

Trends in central line-associated bloodstream infections in a trauma-surgical intensive care unit.

Objective: To report the impact of hospital-wide interventions on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates in a 24-bed trauma-surgical intensive care unit.

Design: Data were gathered retrospectively from January 1, 2001, through June 30, 2009. Interventions to reduce CLABSI rates during this period included standardization of line insertion and maintenance processes, development of a mandatory education program incorporating practical line insertion simulation sessions, frequent audits, and intensive care unit staffing modifications.

Trauma VAP SWAT team: a rapid response to infection prevention.

The prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has been a challenge within many healthcare organizations. The initial efforts for VAP prevention focused on compliance with "ventilator bundles." VAP rates initially improved with implementation of the bundles but then reached a plateau.

Use of prone positioning in a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case review.

The care of a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome is complex. The nurse must not only concentrate on the physical demands of the patient but also on the emotional demands of the patient and family. Understanding the disease process can aid the nurse in understanding the treatment options including the use of prone positioning for this patient population.

Decreasing ventilator-associated pneumonia: getting on board.

The prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has been a quality effort that many organizations across the country have undertaken. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the best practices to prevent VAP for our organization were established. Through the interventions of securing the patient resuscitation bag in one location, maintaining the patient's head-of-bed elevation to more than 30 degrees if not contraindicated, Yankauer suction tip care, and the use of chlorhexidine mouth rinse, the incidence of VAP decreased by 43% within a 6-month time frame.