Is the NCHD changeover associated with increased risk of intravenous catheter related infections?

Both central venous catheters (CVCs) and peripheral intravenous cannulas (PVCs) have changed the management of patient care in a hospital setting. However there is a significant risk of local and/or blood stream infection with both 1,2 . Indeed, every day the catheters remain in place increases the chances of developing a related blood stream infection 3 . Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) lead to increased morbidity and mortality, increased length of hospital stay and costs 4 . HCAIs are an important indicator of quality of care. Our hypothesis was that the non consultant hospital doctor changeover at the beginning of July may be associated with some impact on these quality indicators. The primary aim of this study was to monitor the rates of CVC associated infections in a 649 bed teaching hospital for twenty days before and after the changeover. Secondary aims included monitoring of PVC related adverse events and blood culture contamination rates before and after the changeover.