A Point of Care Quality Improvement Study to decrease incidence of Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections and Late Onset Sepsis in neonates

This study is a point of care quality improvement initiative conducted in a level 3b neonatal intensive care unit with the aim of reducing infection rates particularly central line associated bloodstream infection and late onset sepsis. The study will be carried out in three phases baseline implementation and sustenance. During the baseline phase current practices related to hand hygiene aseptic non touch technique and central line care will be assessed through direct observation and focus group discussion to identify gaps and root causes of infection. In the implementation phase plan do study act cycles will be used to introduce targeted changes such as staff training reinforcement of infection prevention bundles and use of checklists. Process indicators will be monitored regularly using run charts to evaluate improvement.In the sustenance phase the successful interventions will be integrated into routine care and ongoing monitoring will be done through periodic observations. Outcome measures including infection rates will be calculated and compared with baseline data.The study involves no additional interventions beyond standard care and is expected to improve patient safety by strengthening adherence to infection prevention practices in the NICU.