Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Rates with Cognitive Science-Based Training

Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Rates with Cognitive Science-Based Training

Authors

Jessica Lowery PhD, CIC, FAPIC^a, Matthew Jensen Hays PhD^b, Andrea Burch MS, RN NEA-BC^a, Debra Behr DNP, RN, CCRN-K^a, Steven Brown MD, FACR^a, Elise Kearney RN, BSN, VA-BC^a, Deborah Senseney DNP, RN, RN-BC^a, Sky Arce MSN, RN, PCCN-K^a
aLutheran Medical Center, Wheat Ridge, CO
^bAmplifire, Boulder, CO

Abstract

There have been many tactics throughout the years aimed at reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in the healthcare setting. To reduce CLABSI rates at this facility, we employed cognitive science-based online training directed at nursing departments. Following implementation, we found significant reductions in CLABSI rates that were sustained for a minimum of 9 months. These results demonstrate that this learning methodology can be used to help decrease CLABSI and potentially other health care-associated infections.

Training that works, saves lives:

When faced with a rise in deadly bloodstream infections during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ascension Health enacted Amplifire’s eLearning platform to eliminate CLABSI with effective training. Designed to meet learners where they are, Amplifire training has been the difference in saving lives by providing training that lowered CLABSI rates by 79%.

While traditional intervention methods are financially and operationally burdensome, an effective eLearning solution is easy to implement and is respectful of caregivers’ time and knowledge. One-size-fits-all training methods simply cannot keep up with the demands and constraints of modern healthcare. Personalized training, fitted to individuals’ own knowledge gaps, uncertainties, and misinformation is the best way to help employees maximize their potential in their field.

Amplifire uses cognitive and neuroscience principles that are designed to accommodate how people naturally learn, remember, and forget. By tapping into these principles with a virtual, easily implemented, time-and-cost-effective solution, health systems can help their caregivers provide the best possible care and ensure positive outcomes.