Standardization of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing: A Quality Improvement Project in Central Line Bloodstream Infection Prevention

Author

Faustina MuruakoFollow

Date of Award

Summer 2024

Document Type

DNP Executive Summary

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Dr. Jessica Coe Lockhart

Preceptor

Dr. Beverly Sims

Abstract

Background: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) are severe healthcare-related infections that can lead to sepsis, organ failure, and even death. Several healthcare agencies provide guidelines to prevent CLABSIs, with Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing (CHGB) as one of the preventive measures for individuals with central venous lines (CVL).

Purpose: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aims to standardize CHGB procedures for maintaining CVLs on a specific unit for CLABSI prevention through evidence-based practice.

Methods: A quality improvement project was implemented at a Central Alabama hospital to standardize CHGB procedures for CVL patients utilizing a CLABSI unit champion monitoring system to establish guidelines. Over eight weeks, the DNP student audited 28 individuals admitted to the specified unit with CVL.

Results: The daily CHGB across the identified ward remains consistent, indicating effective implementation. As a result of the intervention, no CLABSIs were identified during the 8-week Quality Improvement implementation period, demonstrating the effectiveness of the standardized CHGB protocol.

Conclusion: The project evaluation confirmed the efficacy of daily CHGB, highlighting their potential to reduce CLABSI rates, and recommended their widespread use to improve patient outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Muruako, Faustina, "Standardization of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing: A Quality Improvement Project in Central Line Bloodstream Infection Prevention" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 126.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/126