A joint partnership that helped reduce the number of healthcare-associated infections in Michigan saved more than 1,500 lives and $200 million, as described in the first in a series of healthcare “success story” reports, released on July 13 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The report describes the Michigan Keystone ICU Project, a joint partnership between the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Johns Hopkins University.
The Michigan Keystone ICU Project worked to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections in over more than 100 intensive care units in the state by promoting use of a simple checklist during catheter insertions.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $50 million in grants available for states to help fight healthcare-associated infections. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called on hospitals across the country to commit to reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections in ICUs by 75 percent over the next three years by using the checklist from the Michigan Keystone ICU Project.
