CLE(3)AR Study: 5-Year Impact of LEAN Central Venous Catheter Occlusion Management & Quality Interventions

PROBLEM/PURPOSE: Intraluminal thrombotic catheter occlusions are associated with a greater risk of delayed treatment, morbidity, and mortality and higher healthcare costs. METHODS: The Vascular Access Specialist Team at Hartford Hospital used Lean Six Sigma methodology to identify and address waste, variability, and defects associated with occlusion management. INTERVENTIONS: Beginning in 2015, all central venous catheter occlusions in acute inpatient care were assessed by a vascular access nurse specialist. First, the decisions to treat with tissue plasminogen activator were determined using a catheter patency algorithm. Second, negative displacement needleless connectors were replaced by antireflux needleless connectors to reduce unintentional blood reflux and other complications associated with intraluminal thrombotic catheter occlusion. RESULTS: A total of 159 934 central line days were reported between 2014 and 2020. The hospital achieved a 71.3% reduction in annual tissue plasminogen activator used for occlusions over the study period. There was a sustained decrease in annual average needleless connector consumption of 41% after switching to antireflux needleless connectors in 2015. The 5-year cost savings for these 2 interventions were estimated to be $356 005. CONCLUSIONS: Lean occlusion management interventions were associated with reduced pharmacy use, medical supply waste, and spending, which have been sustained for over a 5-year period.