Compliance is Key to Hospital Infection Prevention
Sharp HealthCare System
343 Beds

In July 2009, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center evaluated Curos Port Protectors as an addition to its central line bundle protocol for line maintenance to prevent bloodstream infections in their 35-bed MICU/SICU as part of their hospital infection control.

Prior to the trial, the vascular access team was auditing needleless connectors (MicroClave® and SmartSite®) and dressing changes every day. The MICU educator modified the team’s standard Central Line Audit Tool to track the use of Curos disinfection caps on all lines.

For the initial 30-day trial, Curos was used for the disinfection and protection of all needleless connectors on all central lines and PICC lines in the unit. During the evaluation period, the hospital experienced a significant decrease in bloodstream infection rates in these units. As a result, it elected to expand the use of Curos for passive disinfection throughout the hospital on all needleless connectors, central, and PICC lines.

Use of the disinfection cap continues to produce extremely positive results with the MICU/SICU reporting zero bloodstream infections for the first two quarters of 2010.

Since Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center began using the Curos Port Protector for infection control, experience has shown that when compliance rates with maintenance bundles including the use of Curos are above 95 percent, the facility-wide bloodstream infection rates were significantly reduced. Conversely, when clinician practice deviated and Curos compliance fell below 90 percent, reported bloodstream infection rates climbed. The facility continues to increase its overall compliance through daily audits of lines and reinforcement of Curos compliance. Auditors like the caps’ vibrant green color which allows for easy visibility on all IV access ports.

Sharp also attributes the successful change in practice, to assigning specific audit and reinforcement responsibilities to a key clinical staff member –the resource nurse. Additionally, the implementation team found that explaining the benefits of the port protectors for infection control to the staff encouraged peers to reinforce Curos use with one another and continue with infection prevention.

“Curos provides us with the ability to have consistent and reliable disinfection of valves no matter who performs the function. It also gives us the ability to actively manage the process in order to improve overall practice and compliance. This activity pays off for the hospital, clinicians, and the patients through lower BSI rates and improved patient care.”

Mary Ann David, RN, clinical lead nurse of the MICU/SICU.