Lining up: An ethnographic study of interventions to reduce central line infections

Overview

This research study uses an ethnographic approach to to identify organisational features and settings that encourage or discourage good practices in reducing central venous catheter blood stream infections (CVC-BSIs) in intensive care units (ICUs). Findings will inform both quality improvements efforts and the implementation of the Matching Michigan programme in English hospitals (see theWorld Health Organization website for more information). Commencing in November 2009, the project will be completed in early 2012.

What we’re doing

Through this ethnographic research study, we aim to identify organisational features and settings that encourage or discourage good practices in reducing CVC-BSIs in ICUs.  Importantly the research will go beyond the specifics of CVC-BSIs – it will inform quality improvement efforts and provide understanding of the measures needed to embed safety practices in organisational and professional routines. Emerging findings have informed the implementation of the Matching Michigan programme in English hospitals. 

Why we’re doing it

An estimated 200,000 central venous catheters are inserted in patients in the UK each year, with many inserted in intensive care units. High rates of CVC-BSIs are a concern and, since it is now known that these are avoidable, there is growing momentum in healthcare systems to prevent their occurrence. Our research will inform the implementation of quality improvement initiatives that will potentially save thousands of lives. 

How we’re doing it

To address the aims of the research, we are conducting the study with a range of hospitals participating and not participating in the Matching Michigan programme. We are interviewing within 35-40 hospitals to review and characterise hospitals’ strategic-level decisions about their participation or non-participation in the Matching Michigan programme and initiatives relating to CVC-BSIs.

Organisational features and settings that encourage or discourage CVC-BSIs good practices are being investigated in 17 ICUs through approaches including observations, interviews, and documentary analysis. We are also exploring how the Matching Michigan programme is delivered to hospitals, including formal and informal materials of the programme.  

The research is being conducted by a team from Leicester University, led by Professor Mary Dixon-Woods on behalf of the Health Foundation.

When will the findings be available?

Spring 2012.

For further information please contact:

Jonathan Bamber, Research and Development Manager