Abstract DP390: External Ventricular Drain Infection Prevention Bundle

Title: External Ventricular Drain Infection Prevention Bundle Problem Statement: In the summer of 2023, a 24 bed Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) noted a concerning upward trend in reportable external ventricular drain (EVD) infection rates from 3% in 2020 to 8% in March 2023. A literature review and case review of each reported infection from the last three years informed the work of a multidisciplinary team. Aim&Objective: This project aimed to decrease EVD infection rates by implementing an infection prevention bundle in the Neuro ICU. QI Methodology: The team, led by the CNS student, was comprised of nursing leadership, attending physicians, lead Physician Assistants, pharmacist, and quality specialists all based in the Neuro ICU. The team created an evidence-based infection prevention bundle related to EVD access technique for samples, system set up, and nursing management. The medical provider group agreed upon a standardized, sterile sampling process for every cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) collection and accessing of the EVDs in the ICU. The CNS student educated nurses on sterile EVD set up, re-educated on when to notify provider for drain disconnection or dislodgement, and EVD assessment parameters. This education was provided via staff meeting, online educational slides, and in person seminars from December 2023- January 2024. Impact&Results: From January to December 2024, there have been no reportable CSF infection since the implementation period via VIZIENT reporting systems. Staff educational outcomes showed that 100% of nurses who completed the online educational training “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that they were comfortable setting up the EVD in a sterile fashion and understood when to notify a provider about their EVD assessments. [KSM1] Limitations: This project took place in a single ICU and may not be generalizable to other areas. Innovation&Significance: A multidisciplinary infection prevention bundle was effective in reducing reportable EVD infections in the Neuro ICU. [KSM1]Add any additional data you have, but conferences want you to have post-implementation data when you submit your abstract.