6/17/2026 | 10:45 AM-11:45 AM
Reducing Central-Line Associated Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Oncology: Leveraging Staff/Caregiver Partnerships
Session Description: The Infection Prevention and Control Department (IPC) partnered with the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nursing (PHON) team to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in the pediatric oncology patient population by enhancing compliance with the hospital’s CLABSI prevention bundle. The PHON team designated an experienced registered nurse as an infection prevention nurse (IPN), who collaborated closely with the unit-based infection preventionist (IP). Together, the IPN and IP conducted bedside Kamishibai (K-card) audits, which focused on key elements of central line care in patients with a central venous catheter (CVC).
A high-risk CLABSI report, generated from the hospital’s electronic medical record system, was used to identify and prioritize the highest-risk patients for bedside K-card audits and family education. A key component of these audits was actively engaging patients and their families in CVC care and infection prevention practices. K-card rounds were conducted at the bedside and included the IP, IPN, the patient’s primary nurse, and the patient’s parents, family members, or caregivers. This process involved direct observation of the CVC site and dressing to assess CLABSI prevention bundle element reliability.
These audits provided real-time opportunities to reinforce best practices with nursing staff and to educate families on CVC care. Education topics included the importance of daily patient hygiene, chlorhexidine gluconate bathing, maintaining an occlusive, clean, and intact dressing, and the critical role of hand hygiene among staff, patients, and caregivers. The bedside K-card rounds empowered patients and families to advocate for safe CVC care and consistent hygiene.
This collaborative intervention enhanced engagement among staff, patients, and families, and improved overall adherence to the CLABSI prevention bundle. Since implementation on January 1, 2025, the unit has achieved a 70% reduction in the standardized infection ratio for CLABSI compared to the same timeframe in the previous year (0.667 to 0.200).
Cameron Griffin
Infection Preventionist, Boston Children's Hospital
Cameron Griffin, MPH, CIC, began his healthcare career in 2016 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in the molecular pathology laboratories. In 2019, he transitioned to infection prevention, serving as unit-based Infection Preventionist for the Hematology/Oncology and Surgical Intensive Care Units and co-chairing DHMC’s C. diff Prevention Committee. He earned his Certification in Infection Control (CIC) in 2021 and worked in long-term care before returning to acute care in 2023 at Boston Children’s Hospital. There, he leads infection control committees on the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Units and oversees infection prevention in the Emergency Department and several ambulatory clinics. Cameron is recognized for his quality improvement work, staff collaboration, and efforts to reduce hospital-acquired infections, with a focus on C. diff and Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections. He holds a Microbiology degree from the University of Maine (2014) and an MPH from Southern New Hampshire University (2023).
Elizabeth Phoung
Staff Nurse II, Boston Children's Hospital
Elizabeth Phoung, BSN, RN, CPHON, began her nursing career in 2006 at Boston Children’s Hospital and has spent nearly two decades on the same pediatric hematology/oncology unit. For the past 11 years, she has served as both a Charge Nurse and Resource Nurse, providing clinical leadership, mentorship, and support to her team. Elizabeth is known for her compassionate care, strong clinical judgment, and dedication to improving the lives of pediatric hematology/oncology patients and their families. She recently started as hematology/oncology unit-based Infection Prevention Nurse, supporting staff education and quality improvement initiatives. Elizabeth earned her BSN from University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2006 and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing Education at Southern New Hampshire University. She is passionate about supporting nurse development and driving clinical excellence in pediatric oncology care through education and clinical leadership.