A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Unnecessary Use of Multilumen PICCs

Abstract

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are an increasingly common vascular access device. At our institution, >4,000 devices are placed per year by a trained team of vascular access nurses. Although PICCs are generally safe and effective, they do carry the risk of infection and thrombosis, and this risk increases exponentially with increasing number of lumens. As part of a multidisciplinary quality improvement effort to address rising CLABSI rates, we designed interventions to improve PICC utilization. Methods: The project team used 6-σ methodology, specifically following the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, implement, control) framework to guide analysis and interventions. Process mapping, semistructured interviews with key stakeholders, electronic surveys, and audits were performed to identify gaps and inform interventions. The interventions consisted of 3 components: changes to the electronic ordering system, education (presentations to ordering providers and an online toolkit), and clinical decision support in the form of a team of vascular-access subject-matter experts who provided guidance on line selection. Results: In total, 4,655 PICCs and 434 midlines were inserted in the 12 months before the intervention, and 7,457 PICCs and 929 midlines were placed in the 24 months after the intervention. Following the implementation of the intervention, proportions of triple-lumen catheter utilization decreased from 31.9% to 22.3% (P < .0001). Concurrently, the proportion of single-lumen catheters has increased from 28.5% to 41.9% (P < .0001). Overall PICC utilization decreased in the postintervention period from an average of 387.9 PICCs placed per month to 310.7. The proportion of midline catheters increased from 8.5% of total lines inserted to 11.4% in the postintervention period (P < .001). Conclusions: Our intervention reduced overall PICC use and triple-lumen PICC use and increased relative utilization of single-lumen PICCs and midline catheters. Optimization of electronic orders, in conjunction with targeted education and decision support, can have a sustained impact on provider ordering behaviors and can shift the culture of utilization, even in a large academic medical center with frequent turnover of trainees.

Funding: None

Disclosures: Consulting fee- Merck (Priya Sampathkumar)