Evidence-based measures to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections: a systematic review

Assessment of the Level of Awareness and Degree of Implementation of Central Line Bundles for Prevention of Central Line-associated Blood Stream Infection: A Questionnaire-based Observational Study

Aim

The objective of this study was to assess the extent of knowledge and application of central line bundles in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital for the purpose of avoiding central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). This assessment was conducted through the use of a questionnaire.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the ICU, involving doctors and nurses. The study was observational in nature. The study employed a methodical validated questionnaire to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of central line bundles for the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). The questionnaire was designed using preexisting awareness surveillance systems, infection control measures, and patient care practices that were specifically relevant to CLABSIs in the ICU. The data were analyzed utilizing SPSS.

Results

The research involved a total of 93 healthcare professionals, consisting of 67 physicians and 26 nurses. The mean knowledge score among participants was 82%, with higher scores reported in individuals who had training in central line bundles. Healthcare professionals exhibited robust compliance with hand cleanliness, antiseptic skin preparation prior to insertion, aseptic draping of the patient, utilization of utmost sterile barriers, verification of central venous catheter (CVC) tip placement using chest X-ray or fluoroscopy, and preservation of a sterile environment.

Conclusion

The study emphasized the significance of training in enhancing understanding and adherence to central line bundling protocols in ICUs. Participants exhibited a high level of knowledge and commitment to recommended practices, indicating that this training can have a favorable effect on CLABSI rates.

How to cite this article

Singh S, Sharma A, Dhawan M, Sharma SP. Assessment of the Level of Awareness and Degree of Implementation of Central Line bundles for Prevention of Central Line-associated Blood Stream Infection: A Questionnaire-based Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(9):847-853.

Teaching-Learning Programs to Prevent and Control Infections Related to Long-Term Central Venous Access Device in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of teaching-learning programs for cancer patients and/or their caregivers or family in preventing and controlling infections associated with long-term central venous access devices.

DATA SOURCES

This systematic review used the CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, and MEDLINE via PubMed portal, Scopus, and Web of Science. Google Scholar was used for the gray literature search. The included studies were analyzed, and the obtained data were qualitatively synthesized. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools: RoB 2 and ROBINS-I. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021267530).

CONCLUSION

The teaching-learning programs were implemented through theoretical-practical and theoretical dimensions in five and two studies, respectively. The risk of bias in the studies was low, moderate, severe, and high in one, three, two, and one of them, respectively. The certainty was very low. Teaching-learning programs on central venous access devices care for cancer patients and/or their caregivers or families could be effective in reducing infection rates.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

This systematic review addressed the teaching-learning programs for preventing and controlling infections associated with long-term central venous access devices. We identified that the most programs were effective in reducing the infection rates. The results may influence the clinical practice of oncology nurses, and consequently, the educational strategies and methods provided not only to these patients but for caregivers and families.

Good practices in central venous catheter maintenance in time of covid-19: an observational study

OBJECTIVES

to assess adherence to good practices for central venous catheter maintenance by the nursing team during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

observational, cross-sectional, quantitative research with non-participant observation. Data collection was guided by an instrument developed for this study, consisting of five dimensions. It took place in the intensive care unit of a university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

RESULTS

a total of 700 observations were carried out, which resulted, in general, in 402 (57.4%) procedures for adherence to good practices. Hand hygiene (8%) and Performing the dressings (10%) were the dimensions with the lowest adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

good practices for central venous catheter maintenance were partially present in the routine of the nursing team during the COVID-19 pandemic. In critical moments, intensifying the qualification of the teams for a better adaptation to the new work processes is a strategy to sustain the patient safety culture.

The effect of the multimodal intervention including an automatic notification of catheter days on reducing central line-related bloodstream infection: a retrospective, observational, quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

A central venous catheter (CVC) is an important medical device, but it could be preceding infection and the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). CLABSI is a common healthcare-associated infection but results in high cost and mortality; therefore, various efforts to reduce CLABSI have been attempted.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, observational, quasi-experimental study in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a single tertiary care hospital. We reviewed and analysed the data of CLABSI rates and days from the insertion to the removal of the temporary CVC between January 2018 and June 2021 with transient periods over 9 months. Sequentially, all patients with the CVC in the ICU underwent the following interventions: maximal barrier precaution, automatic notification of catheter days and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate bathing. A segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series was conducted to compare the CLABSI rates before and after the introduction of multimodal interventions. During study periods, the impact of interventions on CLABSI was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 76,504 patient-days, 28,312 catheter days and 66 CLABSI cases were reviewed in ICU-hospitalised patients. As additional interventions, the CLABSI rate declined from 3.1 per 1000 CVC days to 1.2 per 1000 CVC days in post-interventions. In the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods, 4146 patents had one more short-term CVC. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, multimodal intervention was one of determinants reducing CLABSI rates (odds ratio (OR), 0.52 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.28-0.94]). Indwelling time of CVC over 10 days was the risk factor for CLABSI rates (OR, 6.27 [95% CI, 3.36-12.48]). Of the three interventions, the automatic notification of catheter days was associated with decreased median monthly total CVC days and duration of CVC days per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary and evidence-based interventions could lead to a decrease in the CLABSI rates. Moreover, the automatic notification of catheter days of the electronic medical healthcare system has shortened the time of indwelling CVC.

A Multidisciplinary Approach and Development of an Algorithm for Timely Repair of Central Venous Access in Pediatric Patients

Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) carry a risk for many complications. This can lead to numerous and prolonged hospitalizations for patients undergoing intravenous nutrition. The aim was to create a standardized protocol for the medical facility to expedite the repair process as well as implement a broadened educational effort for the care of CVCs.

Method: A retrospective chart review was completed for 365 catheter days before implementation. Two protocols were then created in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. Prospective chart data were subsequently collected 365 catheter days post-implementation.

Result: Pre-implementation (32 encounters), 100% of compromised CVCs required admission. Post-implementation (21 encounters), only 48% of compromised CVCs required admission accompanied by an overall reduction in the number of compromised catheters that presented to the hospital. The average hospital length of stay pre-protocol initiation decreased from 7.2 to 1.8 days post-protocol initiation. The implementation of our algorithm also lead to a decrease in the average cost of compromised CVC repair inpatient ($2741) vs repair in the emergency department ($34,436).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that working with a multidisciplinary team utilizing a standardized protocol improved the quality of patient care by decreasing hospital admissions for compromised CVCs. The authors also conclude that the expedited repair of CVCs can help alleviate health care costs for both families and the hospital system.

Boas práticas na manutenção do cateter venoso central em tempos de COVID-19: um estudo observacional

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar a adesão às boas práticas de manutenção do cateter venoso central pela equipe de enfermagem durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: pesquisa observacional, transversal, quantitativa com observação não participante. A coleta de dados foi orientada por instrumento desenvolvido para este estudo, constituído por cinco dimensões. Ocorreu em unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital universitário na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Resultados: foram realizadas 700 observações, que resultaram, no geral, em 402 (57,4%) procedimentos de adesão às boas práticas. Higiene das mãos (8%) e Realização de curativos (10%) foram as dimensões com menor adesão. Conclusões: as boas práticas de manutenção do cateter venoso central mostraram-se parcialmente presentes na rotina da equipe de enfermagem durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Em momentos críticos, intensificar a qualificação das equipes para uma melhor adaptação aos novos processos de trabalho é uma estratégia para sustentar a cultura de segurança do paciente.

Bispecific antibody therapy, its use and risks for infection: Bridging the knowledge gap

Relapsed haematological malignancies have a poor disease prognosis with current therapies. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are becoming increasingly recognised for their efficacy in the treatment of these malignancies and are approved for the treatment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL). BsAbs are manufactured to consist two variable chain fragments combined by a peptide linker amongst other structures to increase the half-life of the molecules. BsAbs function by bringing targeted tumour cells in close proximity of T-cells to allow killing via perforin and granzyme release. The increasing numbers of trials of BsAbs has highlighted their toxicity profile, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), cytopaenia and hypogammaglobulinemia - which all increase risks for infection. The patterns and risks for infections with these novel agents remain unclear. This review article provides an overview of the risks of infection with various BsAbs platforms. A review of clinical trials reveals rates of infections amongst patients on BsAbs between 15 and 45% with a high proportion grade 3 severity or higher. A predominance of bacterial respiratory and line-related infections were identified amongst all haematological malignancies. In particular, high rates of febrile neutropaenia were identified in use of BsAbs in myeloid malignancy. Infection patterns identified in this review are utilised to inform infection prevention practice, including focused infection screening, line management, prophylaxis and vaccination strategies. Prophylaxis strategies against Pneumocystis pneumonia, herpes simplex and herpes zoster, candida and mould infections are considered, along with vaccination strategies against respiratory viral and bacterial infections. The long-term impacts of BsAbs on the immune system continue to be established.

Intensive Care Unit Nursing Priorities in the United States

This integrative review presents the most recent and relevant critical care nursing research publications in the United States. A comprehensive search identified publications on the topics of delirium; early mobility; communication; palliative care; tele-intensive care unit; care bundle implementation; and prevention, detection, and early management of infection. The evidence is summarized for each of these topics, as well as other research, with suggestions and guidance for end users.

Nurse Work Environment and Stress Biomarkers: Possible Implications for Patient Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between nurse work environment, serum biomarkers, and patient outcomes in a large hospital.

METHODS

A work environment questionnaire was administered in 2017 to the total sample of nurses in a Midwestern hospital. A subsample of nurses (n = 83) provided blood samples. Correlation analyses examined associations between work environment ratings, biomarkers (dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate [DHEA-S] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]), and unit-level patient outcomes.

RESULTS

Work stress was negatively correlated with DHEA-S (r = -0.23) and positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.31; P < 0.05). Psychological safety (r = 0.22) and competence development (r = 0.25) were both positively correlated with DHEA-S (P < 0.05). DHEA-S was negatively correlated with central line-associated bloodstream infections (rho = -0.61; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Work environment-associated physiological mechanisms might adversely impact patient safety, in addition to nurse health.

Prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections: a survey of ICU nurses' knowledge and practice in China

Background

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are largely preventable when evidence-based guidelines are followed. However, it is not clear how well these guidelines are followed in intensive care units (ICUs) in China. This study aimed to evaluate Chinese ICU nurses’ knowledge and practice of evidence-based guidelines for prevention of CLABSIs issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US and the Department of Health UK.

Method

Nurses completed online questionnaires regarding their knowledge and practice of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of CLABSIs from June to July 2019. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions, and a score of 1 was given for a correct answer (total score = 0–11).

Results

A total of 835 ICU nurses from at least 104 hospitals completed the questionnaires, and 777 were from hospitals in Guangdong Province. The mean score of 11 questions related to evidence-based guidelines for preventing CLABSIs was 4.02. Individual total scores were significantly associated with sex, length of time as an ICU nurse, educational level, professional title, establishment, hospital grade, and incidence of CLABSIs at the participant’s ICU. Importantly, only 43% of nurses reported always using maximum barrier precautions, 14% of nurses reported never using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate for antisepsis at the insertion site, only 40% reported prompt removal of the catheter when it was no longer necessary, and 33% reported frequently and routinely changing catheters even if there was no suspicion of a CLABSI.

Conclusion

Chinese ICU nurses in Guangdong Province lack of knowledge and practice of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of CLABSIs. National health administrations should adopt policies to train ICU nurses to prevent CLABSIs.

Assessment knowledge and practices of central line insertion and maintenance in adult intensive care units at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Awareness of central line bundle by healthcare workers (HCWs) is essential for preventing catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). The objective was to assess the knowledge and practice of insertion and maintenance central line bundles among HCWs in intensive care units (ICUs).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdul-Aziz medical city in Riyadh between November 2017 and April 2018. The target was nurses and physicians working in three ICUs. The knowledge and practice were assessed using a structured study questionnaire that included also demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

A total 171 nurses and 41 physicians were included in the current analysis. More than 90% of HCWs correctly answered 9 out of 12 knowledge questions, specially questions related hand hygiene, maximal barrier, daily assessment, and dressing change. The overall knowledge score was 82% and was significantly higher among those who received central line bundle training. Self-reported compliance (all or most of the time) with 10 different bundle recommendations ranged between 50% and 97%, being highest with hand hygiene, maximal barrier, and using chlorhexidine (97% each) and lowest with using the subclavian site (50%). The overall self-reported compliance score was 87% and was significantly higher among nurses. There was weak positive correlation between knowledge and practice (correlation coefficient 0.266, p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Knowledge and compliance of central line bundle were generally high in our HCWs. Training is important in improving knowledge of central line bundle. Future educational activities should focus on specific compliance deficiencies such as using the subclavian site and dressing change.

COMPLIANCE TO SAFETY BARRIERS IN THE MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION PROCESS IN PEDIATRICS

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate the compliance to safety barriers adopted in the preparation and administration of intravenous drugs in Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care Units. Method: exploratory, observational descriptive study, conducted with the nursing team of a pediatric intensive care unit and a pediatric clinic of a large public hospital in Belo Horizonte, from August to November 2017. Results: the sample consisted of 334 opportunities to observe the preparation and administration of medications in pediatric patients. Most of the actions were performed by female professionals, nursing technicians and civil servants. The professionals did not perform all the necessary safety barriers in any of the procedures. The hygiene of the preparation site, disinfection of the ampoule, connection, conference of the drug/dose/route administered with the prescription and double checking of the drugs were those that had the lowest compliance. Conclusion: the study highlights the fragility regarding compliance to safety barriers in the preparation and administration of medicines, resulting in a risk to the safety of hospitalized children. Continued education based on good practice is believed to be an important strategy for security.

Improving Hand Hygiene Practices to Reduce CLABSI Rates: Nurses Education Integral for Success

How to cite this article: Myatra SN. Improving Hand Hygiene Practices to Reduce CLABSI Rates: Nurses Education Integral for Success. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(7):291-293.

Managing and preventing vascular catheter infections: A position paper of the international society for infectious diseases

A panel of experts was convened by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) to overview recommendations on managing and preventing vascular catheter infections, specifically for the prevention and management of central line-associated bloodstream infections. These recommendations are intended to provide insight for healthcare professionals regarding the prevention of infection in the placement and maintenance of the catheter and diagnosis as well as treatment of catheter infection. Aspects of this area in pediatrics and in limited-resource situations and a discussion regarding the selection of empiric or targeted antimicrobial therapy are particular strengths of this position paper.

Knowledge and behavior of professionals about bundled strategies of central venous catheter

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the factors that influence the knowledge and behavior of professionals of neonatal and pediatric units about bundled strategies of insertion of central venous catheter.

METHOD

This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in one neonatal and one pediatric intensive care units in a public hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from April to July, 2016. The sample consisted of 255 professionals who answered a structured instrument. Descriptive and comparative analyses were made using the SPSS software.

RESULTS

The category nursing professional (p = 0.010), working hours of 12×36 scale (p < 0.001), training as a form of acquiring knowledge (p < 0.001) and participation in training programs (p < 0.001) are associated to greater knowledge about the bundle. Regarding behavior, no significant associations were observed.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that there are factors that influence the knowledge about bundled strategies of insertion of central venous catheter, reflecting the need to consider these practices for making more effective educational practices in health care.

CARE PROTOCOL WITH TOTALY IMPLANTED VENOUS CATHETER: A COLLECTIVE CONSTRUCTION

ABSTRACT Objective: to collectively construct a fully implanted central venous catheter care protocol with nurses from a highly complex oncology center. Method: a convergent care research, conducted at a hospital qualified as a highly complex oncology care unit in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from September 2017 to January 2018. The construction of the protocol was guided by Evidence Based Practice. Initially, data was collected from client records. After that, five workshops were held with the nurses, aiming to verify the material and human resources available, besides the viable care to compose the protocol. The analysis involved processes of apprehension, synthesis, theorization and transference. Results: most of the 219 medical records evaluated from clients with fully implanted venous catheters were female (77.1%), with a mean age 49.6 years old, breast cancer, and average catheter stay of 502 days. The nurses participating in the research were female, with a mean age 30.2 years old, time since graduation of 5.2 years and experience in oncology of 4.8 years on average. During the workshops, the participants reflected on the daily routine of the service, with a theoretical and scientific basis, which allowed, considering the professionals' opinion, to verify the care evidences and the practicability of the practices in the study scenario for the construction of a protocol. Care emerged related to puncture, manipulation, salinization and catheter clearance. Conclusion: the protocol construction process involved the participation of all oncology nurses, and all the mentioned care has scientific evidence for its use.

Complications related to the insertion and maintenance of peripheral venous access central venous catheter

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rates and nature of the complications related to the Central Peripheral Access Catheter (CVCAP or PICC) from its insertion to its withdrawal.

METHODS

Prospective observational study. All patients older than 14 years of age with a PICC inserted in the polyvalent intensive care unit (ICU) during the period between May 1, 2015 and April 30, 2016 were included. Data collected included: demographic data, insertion details, reason for insertion and removal, maintenance unit, total dwell time, incidence of complications and related factors and infection rate.

RESULTS

144 PICCs were inserted, of which 94 corresponded to the ICU group (65.28%) and 50 (34.72%) to the non-ICU group. The most important complication was the suspicion of infection: 17.36% (rate of 15.2 per 1000 days of PICC). The total number of confirmed infections was 6.25% (5.5 per 1000 days of PICC), 1.39% (1.2 per 1000 days) being in the ICU group and 4.86% (4.2 per 1000 days) in the non-ICU group. There were 5 bacteraemias, all in the non-ICU group (3 per 1000 days). The most frequent germ was Staphylococcus epidermidis (6 cases). Phlebitis had an incidence of 9.03% (7.9 per 1000 days of PICC).

CONCLUSIONS

PICC, effective device for central venous access due to the minimal incidence of risks in implantation and to its advantages with regard to the classic central venous catheters, is a further nursing technique.

The microbiological characteristics and risk factors for PICC-related bloodstream infections in intensive care unit

The study was aimed to investigate the pathogens distribution and risk factors for PICC-related bloodstream infection in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. 402 patients placed with PICC in ICU were recruited in the study. The microbiological characteristics of PICC-related infection were investigated by Vitek 2 Compact automated microbial system. Antibiotics sensitivity was performed with disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. Multivariate logistic and cox analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for PICC-related infection in ICU patients. 38 PICC-related infection cases were observed, and its morbidity was 9.45%. The morbidity was significantly higher in power PICC cases than that in common PICC cases. Gram-positive bacteria might be responsible for the major infection cases, followed by gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. Drug sensitivity analyses indicated that gram-negative bacteria showed low resistance to carbapenems antibiotics, and Cefperazone/sulbactam. The gram-positive bacterial exhibited sensitive to Teicoplanin and Vancomycin. The isolated fungi showed low resistance to the commonly used antifungal antibiotics. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that power PICC, high Charison scores, diabetes mellitus, double lumens triple lumens were risk factors for PICC-related infections among ICU patients. Power PICC, high Charison scores, diabetes mellitus, multi-lumens are risk factors for PICC-related bloodstream infection in ICU patients.