A vascular access and midlines program can decrease hospital-acquired central line-associated bloodstream infections and cost to a community-based hospital.

Background: We propose that substituting central lines with midlines can help reduce the total number of central line catheter-days as well as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), thereby reducing the associated costs and the resulting increased length of stay. A midline or vascular access program in a community hospital can bring about these positive changes.

Objectives: Our objective is to evaluate whether the institution of a midline program for vascular access at a community hospital can reduce the number of central line catheter-days and the associated CLABSI rate, incidence, and cost.