Impact of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium’s multidimensional approach on central line–associated bloodstream infection rates in Bahrain

Background: Central line–associated bloodstream infections are serious life-threatening infections in the intensive care unit setting. Methods: To analyze the impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) Multidimensional Approach (IMA) and INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS) on central line–associated bloodstream infection rates in Bahrain from January 2013 to December 2016, we conducted a prospective, before-after surveillance, cohort, observational study in one intensive care unit in Bahrain. During baseline, we performed outcome and process surveillance of central line–associated bloodstream infection on 2320 intensive care unit patients, applying Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network definitions. During intervention, we implemented IMA through ISOS, including (1) a bundle of infection prevention interventions, (2) education, (3) outcome surveillance, (4) process surveillance, (5) feedback on central line–associated bloodstream infection rates and consequences, and (6) performance feedback of process surveillance. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed using a logistic regression model to estimate the effect of the intervention on the central line–associated bloodstream infection rate. Results: During baseline, 672 central line days and 7 central line–associated bloodstream infections were recorded, accounting for 10.4 central line–associated bloodstream infections per 1000 central line days. During intervention, 13,020 central line days and 48 central line–associated bloodstream infections were recorded. After the second year, there was a sustained 89% cumulative central line–associated bloodstream infection rate reduction to 1.2 central line–associated bloodstream infections per 1000 central line days (incidence density rate, 0.11; 95% confidence interval 0.1–0.3; p, 0.001). The average extra length of stay of patients with central line–associated bloodstream infection was 23.3 days, and due to the reduction of central line–associated bloodstream infections, 367 days of hospitalization were saved, amounting to a reduction in hospitalization costs of US$1,100,553. Conclusion: Implementing IMA was associated with a significant reduction in the central line–associated bloodstream infection rate in Bahrain.