Abstract
A central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) can be detrimental to any hospitalized patient, but neonates are especially fragile due to their immature immune system, repeated invasive procedures, and frequency of indwelling catheters. The high incidence of CLABSIs in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), coupled with the morbidity and mortality risks to this fragile population, placed this topic at the forefront of current research. Many prevention strategies have been identified in the research, but several gaps in the evidence remain. Continued research is critical to reducing CLABSI rates in the NICU population. Using Mefford’s Theory of Health Promotion for Preterm Infants and based on Levine’s Conservation Model of Nursing, this project examined several NICUs across the United States to determine their prevention strategies and CLABSI rates.