Implementation Strategies to Improve Evidence-Based Bathing Practices in a Neuro ICU.

BACKGROUND: Evidence supports daily bathing using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) cloths to decrease preventable hospital-acquired central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). However, implementation of this practice is inconsistent. Using multifaceted strategies to promote implementation is supported in the literature, yet there is a gap in knowing which strategies are most successful.

PURPOSE: Using the Grol and Wensing Model of Implementation as a guide, the purpose of this study was to determine whether using tailored, multifaceted strategies would improve implementation of daily CHG bathing and decrease CLABSIs in a large neuro ICU.

METHODS: An observational pre-/postdesign was used.

RESULTS: Following implementation, infection rates decreased (P = .031). Statistically significant improvements were also seen across all process measures: bathing documentation, nursing knowledge, and perceived importance of CHG bathing.

CONCLUSIONS: This study assists in closing the research-practice gap by using tailored, multifaceted implementation strategies to increase use of evidence-based nursing care for infection prevention practices.