The Impact of NHSN Definition Changes on the Attribution of Secondary Blood Stream Infections

RESULTS CONCLUSIONS The reduction of central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) has been an area of focus for health care for almost a decade. Patients who develop a CLABSI are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality and often an experience extended length of stay. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services utilize the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reported CLABSI metrics to rate hospitals performance. These ratings are shared publically and are also tied to reimbursement. In January 2015 NHSN updated the definitions utilized by acute care hospitals to conduct hospital acquired infection surveillance.