AHRQ releases toolkit to reduce bloodstream infections

A toolkit from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) can help hospital infection prevention programs implement a decolonization protocol. This protocol reduced bloodstream infections (BSI) by more than 30% in adult inpatients who were not in intensive care and who used specific medical devices. The toolkit includes protocols for implementing decolonization, instructional handouts for staff and patients, written and video training materials and frequently asked questions for staff and patients. (Healthcare Purchasing News article, 3/23/33)