Introduction
Introduction
In Cardiac ICUs, patients are particularly vulnerable to infections due to factors such as
weakened immune systems, the complexity of cardiac surgery, and extended hospital stays.
Qatar’s national healthcare agenda emphasizes the need for stringent CLABSI prevention
measures, prioritizing patient safety and infection control to improve care quality and meet
global standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC (MoPH, 2020).
This topic is crucial due to the high risk of CLABSI in Cardiac ICUs, where central lines are
often necessary but pose significant dangers if not carefully maintained. Addressing CLABSI
prevention is essential for improving patient outcomes and enhancing the financial and
operational efficiency of healthcare systems. Research shows that each CLABSI case can extend
ICU stays by up to seven days and significantly increase healthcare costs, highlighting the
importance of stringent infection control measures (Pronovost et al., 2017).
In this appraisal, I will evaluate current evidence-based practices for CLABSI prevention in
Cardiac ICUs, focusing on infection prevention bundles, the challenges of consistent
implementation, and how these approaches align with national guidelines in Qatar. Additionally,
I will identify gaps in the existing literature and provide recommendations for improving
CLABSI prevention practices, with an emphasis on enhancing compliance and adapting
protocols to the specific needs of Qatar’s healthcare system. This appraisal aims to offer insights
into reducing CLABSI rates, supporting Qatar’s healthcare goals, and promoting safer, more
effective patient care in ICUs.