Don’t prolong the use of invasive devices.

Invasive devices (such as central venous catheters and endotracheal tubes) should not be used without specific indication (determined by appropriate clinical assessment) and should not be left in place without daily re-assessment. If required, invasive devices should not be used longer than necessary, as they breach skin and body integrity and are portals of entry for infection.

 

Sources:

Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. APIC implementation guide: Guide to preventing central line-associated infections [Internet]. 2015 Dec [cited 2017 Sep 25].

Canadian Patient Safety Institute. Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI): Getting Started Kit [Internet]. 2012 Jun [cited 2017 Sep 25].

Canadian Patient Safety Institute. Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Infection (VAP): Getting Started Kit [Internet]. 2012 Jun [cited 2019 Jul 25].

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections, 2011 [Internet]. 2011 [cited 2017 Sep 25].

Klompas M, et al. Strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in acute care hospitals: 2014 update. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2014 Aug;35(8):915-36. PMID: 25026607.

Marschall J, et al. Strategies to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections in acute care hospitals: 2014 update. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2014 Jul;35(7):753-71. PMID: 24915204