The baseline CRBSI incidence was 1.0/1000 CVC days (95% confidence interval: 0.5-2.2) and the compliance with all bundle items was 0% (0.0-4.6). A total of 184 out of 1654 CVC insertions was observed. Major bundle limitations were the lack of large sterile drapes (0%), non-observance of skin antisepsis before gowning and sterile draping (9%), and the infrequent use of alcohol-based chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis (27%).
Upon intervention (October 2011 - December 2012) the CRBSI incidence was 1.6 (1.0-2.6). The compliance with all bundle items was never fully achieved (0%, (0.0-2.0). However, this was due to the fact that large drapes could not be purchased due to ICU budget cutbacks.
The compliance of all items including behavioural aspects but excluding the use of large drapes, increased from 80% at baseline to 91% upon intervention.