Author(s): Gracie Salee, RN
Infection Prevention Nurse Specialist
Columbus Regional Hospital

Andrea Stock, PharmD, BCIDP, CIC
Infection Prevention
Columbus Regional Hospital

Competency Domain: Health Data Analytics

Description: This abstract highlights an infection prevention team's initiative to reduce femoral line utilization in a critical care unit, with a goal of improving patient safety and preventing infections. Using a quality improvement framework, the project aimed to understand the root causes associated with femoral line use and implement evidence-based practices to reduce risk. Multi-disciplinary collaboration was key in ensuring engagement and optimizing adherence to new processes and promoting safer practices. By emphasizing alternative site selection and standardizing processes for early removal, this initiative demonstrated how targeted prevention strategies can enhance both the safety and quality of care in high-risk environments. Problem:The use of temporary central venous catheters (CVCs) is routine practice in acute care. In emergency situations, femoral CVCs are often placed to establish access quickly. While all CVCs have risks, femoral lines pose a high risk for central line associated infections due to microbial colonization at the site. Measurement:The project utilized quality measurement tools, including control charts, to measure femoral line utilization in critical care. Data was collected on line placement rates, line days, and infection occurrences. Analysis:An interdisciplinary team was created to measure baseline data, understand root causes for femoral line use and implement evidence-based practice interventions. The plan-do-study-act (PDSA) model was used throughout implementation. Implementation:Based on findings at various parts of the PDSA cycle, interventions were targeted at provider/nursing education, electronic medical system enhancements, and daily discussions of line necessity during multidisciplinary rounds. Regular feedback on data and performance was provided to providers and nursing staff. Results/DiscussionA decrease in femoral line placements and overall femoral line days was noted from Q1 2024 (28%) to Q4 2024 (6.7%). Findings suggest that provider education and feedback, paired with evidence based processes to promote appropriate site selection and timely line removal, led to a decrease in femoral line days.