Clean hands revolution saving lives

In just 18 months, a pioneering program in Greece has averted approximately 60 deaths and 500 hospital-acquired infections, officials report. Launched in late 2021, the initiative targets a common yet often deadly complication in hospitals: central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Implemented across 10 public hospitals, the program has shown that even in a short span, simple yet rigorous protocols can make a profound impact.

At the heart of this effort is a renewed focus on central line management. Hospital staff meticulously followed a checklist, ensuring that every critical step in the procedure was completed without oversight. Equally important was strict adherence to hand hygiene - an often-overlooked but vital measure.

By combining these straightforward interventions with comprehensive staff training, the program has brought about a measurable...