By first nearly eliminating central-line blood stream infections at Johns Hopkins and then in more than 100 intensive care units (ICUs) in Michigan, we learned that our research results:

• Can be sustained – Michigan ICUs maintained these safety improvements for more than three years.
• Can be disseminated – After implementing the safety program, Rhode Island ICUs – and institutions in an additional 20 states – virtually eliminated central-line blood stream infections.
• Can be applied to other types of preventable harm – By applying the program to other areas, Michigan ICUs were able to significantly reduce ventilator-assisted pneumonia (VAP), another common and deadly infection.
• Can save lives – The mortality of all Medicare patients admitted to Michigan ICUs was significantly reduced while the program was in place. Broad application of this science can save lives and reduce costs of care.