Abstract
Background: Central line bundle programs were found to be effective in decreasing central line–associated bloodstream infection rates in pediatric cancer patients with ports. However cost-effectiveness studies of central line bundle programs in pediatric cancer patients are limited and most available data are from intensive care unit or adult studies. Methods: In this 6 years cross-sectional study, comprehensive assessment of total health care costs attributable to CLABSI’s associated with ports between two periods including 3 years of pre-bundle period and bundle period. Results: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the pediatric hematology-oncology ward of Dr. Behçet Uz Children’s Hospital from 1 August November 2011 to 31 July 2017. The CLABSI rates decreased significantly from 8,31 CLABSIs to 3.04 per 1000 central line days ( p <0.0001). In the prebundle period, total attributable costs spent for of patients with CLABSI were $130661,68 and in the bundle period, total attributable costs spent for patients with CLABSI were $116579,05.Within bundle implantation, 71 potential CLABSI were prevented which saved an additional $208977,81. In other words, for one dollar spent for bundle program, $ 6,54 was saved by decreasing the expected CLABSI. Conclusion: our study shows that central line bundles decreases not only the CLABSI rate, but also decreases attributable costs due to CLABSI. Expenses spent for bundle elements, were covered by savings by preventing CLABSI with higher costs
Implementation of a central line bundle to reduce central line associated bacteremia at the intensive care unit
