"Stunningly Basic -- " Can checklists prevent infection?

JT Mather Medical Staff President, Lloyd Lense, read this recent Washington Post article and has passed it along to Mather administration and Medical Staff Leadership to review.  I believe he would like to discuss it at the next Quality Management committee meeting and the next joint medical board meeting in September.  Thought you might be interested as well, so here is the link  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/12/AR2010071204893.html?referrer=emailarticle .

The article refers to a "stunningly basic" five-step checklist which may help reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI's) which goes something like this:

1. wash hands with soap
2. clean patient's skin with an effective antiseptic
3. put sterile drapes over entire patient
4. wear a sterile mask, hat, gown and gloves
5. put a sterile dressing over the catheter site

Simple, right?  Stunningly basic, no doubt.  So why don't we use checklists like these?  Please click on "Comments," below to share your thoughts.  First five comments win a prize (see sidebar for details).