WHO publishes new guidance aims to decrease bloodstream infections from catheter use

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued global guidelines to prevent infections from catheters in minor blood vessels during medical procedures. Improper catheter practices can introduce pathogens, causing severe conditions like sepsis and organ complications. Up to 70% of hospitalized patients require peripherally inserted catheters (PIVCs), making them vulnerable to infections. Between 2000 and 2018, sepsis-related mortality rates averaged 24.4%, rising to 52.3% in intensive care units. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria contribute significantly to mortality, with estimated direct and indirect deaths in 2019 reaching 6.22 million.

Addressing the need to curb the spread of such infections has been a paramount objective for WHO. WHO's guidelines include 14 good practice statements and 23 recommendations for healthcare workers, focusing on education, aseptic techniques, hand hygiene, catheter procedures, and selection. Collaborating with nations, WHO aims to implement strategies to reduce bloodstream infections in hospitals, ensuring safer patient care worldwide.