Catheter-associated bloodstream infections: is it possible to get to zero?
Implementing CABSI Strategies: Interviews with the Experts

Introduction
Intravascular catheters are indispensable in contemporary medical practice. These catheters provide essential vascular access, however their use puts patients at risk for local and systemic infectious complications, including local site infection, catheter-related bloodstream infections(CABSI), septic thrombophlebitis, endocarditis, and other metastatic infections (e.g., lung abscess, brain abscess, osteomyelitis, and endophthalmitis). The incidence of CABSI varies by type of catheter, frequency of catheter manipulation, and patient-related factors such as co-morbidities and acuity of illness. 

This online continuing education program will focus on prevention strategies to reduce or eliminate CABSI. Through a review of the evidence-based interventions and interviews with leading experts in the field of infection control on how successfully they have implemented prevention protocols getting to zero may be achievable.

Accreditation Statement
This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the Vermont State Nurses’ Association Inc. (VSNA) an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider #1447.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the participant will be able to:

1. List the five (5) interventions that when implemented together can reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections (CABSI)
   
2. Identify the risk factors for CABSI
   
3. Describe the method(s) of surveillance for CABSI

Instructions

1. Read all articles.
   
2. To receive continuing education credits click on “Obtain CE” in the bottom left box.
   
3. Follow instructions to log in.
   
4. Complete the post-test.
   
5. Complete the participant evaluation.
   
6. To earn 1.5 contact hours of continuing education, you must achieve a score of 70% or more. If you do not pass the test you may take it one more time.
   
7. Upon successful completion of the post-test your  certificate will be issued immediately.
   
8. The fee has been waived through an educational grant from Covidien.
   
9. This program will expire March 31, 2011.
   
10. Faculty Disclosure: No conflicts were disclosed.
    
11. VSNA and ANCC do not endorse any commercial products.