There was a time when physicians assumed that a certain number of hospital-acquired infections were inevitable and could not be reduced or eliminated. That has all changed thanks to an initiative called CUSP or Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program that was initiated at intensive care units in many Michigan hospitals.
A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine has shown that central line-associated infections could be reduced to zero for up to two years if a checklist system was employed. In addition, this Keystone Project fostered improved communication between health professionals and rigorous infection control practices. The hope is that the lessons learned from these Michigan hospitals can be extended to hospitals around the country and lead to nearly two million fewer patient complications within two years.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, May 9, 2011]
