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Impact of a hospital-wide huddle on device utilisation and infection rates: a community hospital’s journey to zero

Background: Device utilisation ratios (DUR) correlate with device-associated complications and rates of infection. We implemented a hospital-wide Daily Interdisciplinary Safety Huddle (DISH) with infection control and device components. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of DISH on DURs and rates of infection for indwelling urinary catheters (IUC) and central venous catheters (CVC). Methods: A quasi-experimental study assessing DURs and rates of infection before and after implementation of DISH. At DISH, usage of IUC and CVC is reported by managers and the infection preventionist reviews indications and plans for removal. Data before and after implementation were compared. Paired T-test was used to assess for differences between both groups. Results: DISH was successfully implemented at a community hospital. The average DUR for IUC in intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU settings was reduced from 0.56 to 0.35 and 0.27 to 0.12, respectively. CVC DUR decreased from 0.29 to 0.26 in the ICU and 0.14 to 0.12 in non-ICU settings. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) decreased by 87% and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) by 96%. Conclusion: DISH was associated with hospital-wide reductions in DUR and device-associated healthcare-associated infections. Reduction of CLABSIs and CAUTIs had estimated cost savings of $688,050. The impact was more profound in non-ICU settings. To our knowledge, an infection prevention hospital-wide safety huddle has not been reported in the literature. DISH increased device removal, accountability and promoted a culture of safety.