title: Use of Six Sigma strategies to pull the line on central line-associated bloodstream infections in a neurotrauma intensive care unit.
abstract: The creation of a consistent culture of safety and quality in an intensive care unit is challenging. We applied the Six Sigma Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) model for quality improvement (QI) to develop a long-term solution to improve outcomes in a high-risk neurotrauma intensive care unit. We sought to reduce central line utilization as a cornerstone in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). This study describes the successful application of the DMAIC model in the creation and implementation of evidence-based quality improvement designed to reduce CLABSIs to below national benchmarks.
authors.affiliation: Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, Virginia (Mrs Loftus, Dr Bradburn, and Dr Harvey); Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, Christiansburg, Virginia (Mrs Tilley); and Carilion Medical Center, Roanoke, Virginia (Dr Hoffman).
authors.forename: Kelli
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Loftus
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tilley
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bradburn
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Harvey
mesh_terms: D016470:Bacteremia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000293:injuries*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D058996:Quality Improvement; D017749:Total Quality Management; D014481:United States; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*