Implementation and long-term efficacy of a multifaceted intervention to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections in intensive care units of a low-middle-income country

Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) pose a significant risk to critically ill patients, particularly in intensive care units (ICU), and are a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections. We investigated whether implementation of a multifaceted intervention was associated with reduced incidence of CLABSIs. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study over nine years. We implemented a bundled intervention approach to prevent CLABSIs, consisting of a comprehensive unit-based safety program (CUSP). The program was implemented in the Neonatal ICU, Medical ICU, and Surgical ICU departments at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Pakistan. Results: The three intervention ICUs combined were associated with an overall 36% reduction in CLABSI rates and a sustained reduction in CLABSI rates for > a year (5 quarters). The Neonatal ICU experienced a decrease of 77% in CLABSI rates lasting ∼1 year (4 quarters). An attendance rate above 88% across all stakeholder groups in each CUSP meeting correlated with a better and more sustained infection reduction. Conclusions: Our multifaceted approach using the CUSP model was associated with reduced CLABSI-associated morbidity and mortality in resource-limited settings. Our findings suggest that a higher attendance rate (>85%) at meetings may be necessary to achieve sustained effects post-intervention.