title: A multidisciplinary approach to end external ventricular drain infections in the neurocritical care unit.
abstract: External ventricular drain (EVD) placement is a common practice in neurocritical care units. The EVDs are the "gold" standard and the most cost-effective treatment for intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus caused by a variety of neurological conditions. The EVD drains excess cerebrospinal fluid in an attempt to maintain balance within the cranial vault and provides intermittent monitoring of intracranial pressure. This invasive procedure, as with any other procedures, carries an increased risk of a device-related infection that can lead to devastating consequences such as meningitis, ventriculitis, and death. This article will discuss how Riverside Methodist Hospital, which is located in Central Ohio, identified an increase in the rate of EVD infections in 2007 and responded with changes in procedure and processes. The implementation of the improvement plan has resulted in 25 months without an EVD infection, a triumph for the patients, staff, and the hospital system.
authors: Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA. mhill4@ohiohealth.com
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Hill
authors: Glenna
authors: G
authors: Baker
authors: Deneen
authors: D
authors: Carter
authors: Lita Jo
authors: LJ
authors: Henman
authors: Kristi
authors: K
authors: Marshall
authors: Kristina
authors: K
authors: Mohn
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Moody
mesh_terms: D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000382:microbiology; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016357:Infection Control Practitioners; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing