Introduction 

This part of the PI Tool Kit focuses on preventing infection and includes four sections that are of importance to hospitalists:

• Vaccinations: influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations as an essential step in preventing infection
• Central Lines: using central lines only when essential, proper insertion of central lines, and removal of unnecessary central lines to prevent bloodstream infection
• Urethral Catheters: using catheters only when essential, proper insertion of catheters, and removal of unnecessary catheters to prevent urinary tract infection
• Mechanical Ventilation: strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in hospitalized patients

In each of the four sections below, you will find information and resources designed to help you assess your own clinical practice in relation to the evidence-based recommendations, update your knowledge on these topics, and improve your clinical practice as related to preventing infection.