Nephrology nursing journal : journal of the American Nephrology Nurses' Association
-
Sepsis is the second leading cause of death in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD). The average cost to the healthcare system for catheter-related infections (CRI) ranges from $4000 to $80,235 for each occurrence. CRI is a significant health problem leading to increased hospitalizations, morbidity, mortality, and a financial burden to the healthcare system. ⋯ The projected annual savings in one dialysis unit was $141,606 using the project hospital's data and $179,010 using national data. CRI in patients on HD are preventable. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in CRI by implementing published guidelines with a significant cost savings to the healthcare system.