Abstract / Summary
Background: Despite significant advances in infection prevention and control practices across Indian healthcare settings, catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) continue to represent a major, yet preventable, cause of morbidity, prolonged intensive care unit stay, and increased healthcare costs in tertiary care hospitals. Persistent variability in adherence to aseptic insertion techniques, catheter maintenance protocols, and surveillance practices highlights the need for strengthened infection control measures and evidence-based interventions to reduce CRBSI incidence in Indian Hospitals. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish a unified, practical, and immediately implementable framework for the prevention and diagnosis of CRBSIs tailored to the Indian hospitals. Materials and Methods: In 2025, a modified Delphi consensus process was conducted involving 24 multidisciplinary experts from across India. A scientific (core) committee identified and approved key domains, including diagnosis, prevention, and implementation barriers of CRBSIs. Based on this, 22 draft statements were developed and circulated for anonymous Round 1 voting using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was predefined as ≥80% agreement (scores of 4 or 5). Results: Overall, 21 statements attained consensus, which included key infection prevention and control practices for reduction/prevention of CRBSI in Indian Hospitals. Conclusion: The 2025 Indian Expert Consensus recommends adoption of these 21 consensus statements which can substantially strengthen infection prevention practices, potentially reducing CRBSI rates. Widespread implementation would enable progressive alignment of Indian hospitals with international benchmarks for patient safety and quality of care.