Postan Explanation Of How You Could Apply Key Interventions

Postan Explanation Of How You Could Apply Key Interventions Supported

Post an explanation of how you could apply key interventions supported by the scholarly research evidence to potentially help resolve the issue in measurable ways. Continue to collaborate with the selected individuals in your practice environment as needed in the development of the Practicum Project, and share this information with your group. CLABSI is a serious infection that occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the bloodstream through the central line (Healthcare). These lines are very common to see in an intensive care unit, which is the setting that I currently work in. The following interventions at our facility have helped decrease the CLABSIs rate for central lines; weekly dressing changes, changing a soiled or dirty dressing dressing, proper use of curos caps, maintaining sterile dressing changes and the removal of the line when it is no longer necessary or removal on the day it expires.

Hand hygiene is the utmost important role that should continuously be provided in order to prevent CLABSIs. A before-and-after study showed how education on hand hygiene has decreased CLABSI from 3.9 per 1,000 catheter day to 1.0 per 1,000 catheters day (Chopra). I definitely believe that the use of curos caps have helped tremendously in reducing infections. Curos caps contain a 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) saturated sponge that scrubs the valve’s surface and bathes the connector in IPA, eliminating disinfection technique variability and killing organisms that are associated with catheter related bloodstream infections (Cantrell, 2013). Cantrell explains how a studies done by the BYU college of Nursing found that CLABSIs rates were significantly decreases, blood-culture contaminations rates showed moderate decrease, and an impressive net cost saving of $683,030 with the use of curos caps (Cantrell).

A simple intervention of the use of curos caps on all hubs when a central line is in place could potential save a hospital a lot of money to avoid the risk of obtaining a CLABSI. However, it is important that those using the curos caps are educated on the proper use of them. Nurses are known to be lazy and take short cuts, but nurses really need to make the time to do the proper job for the patients. I’ve also stressed upon educating and how important it is for the patient. However, I also believe that educating healthcare personnel to become more aware of the indications for catheter use, proper maintenance, and appropriate infection control measures to prevent any catheter-related infection is very imperative.

Occasionally, healthcare providers should demonstrate competent management of accessing central venous catheters along with proper dressing changes. These demonstrations should consist of proper knowledge and adherence to guidelines when caring for a CVC. While preforming dressing changes, maximal sterile precautions should always be utilized. Dressings should be changed if it becomes damp, loosened, or visibly soiled. Dressings should be changed at least every seven days.

The necessity for CVCs should be assessed daily and promptly removed when the site is no longer essential. According to Wilder, Wall, Haggard, and Epperson (2016) a line-rounding audit tool promoted to track the number of daily central lines, reasons for dressing change recommendations and plans for central line removal. Continual education of healthcare workers, patients and family members has been shown to decrease the incidence of CLABSIs in CVC (Wilder el al, 2016). Educating staff of the importance the removal of these lines when they are no longer required is very important to the patient’s overall health. If these steps were taken serious by health care workers and everyone truly provided appropriate care to central line catheters, I strongly believe that the rate of CLABSIs could potentially decrease tremendously.

Developing unit strategies and support systems for nurses is imperative in order to minimize the risk of an undesirable encounter. To see if CLABSIs are being decreased, recordings should be posted and/or announced for the work area/unit, listing the last day a CLABSI occurred followed by the implementation of ways CLABSIs can be prevented. As days, weeks, and/or months pass, if the correct procedures are being followed there should be no occurrences. References: Cantrell, S. (2013). Is science behind patient safety device selection?. Healthcare Purchasing News , 37 (3), 40-46. Chopra, Vineet. "Prevention of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections: Brief Update Review." Making Health Care Safer II: An Updated Critical Analysis of the Evidence for Patient Safety Practices. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 06 June 2017 "Healthcare-associated Infections." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 01 Apr. 2010. Web. 01 June 2017. Wilder, K. A., Wall, B., Haggard, D., & Epperson, T. (2016). CLABSI Reduction Strategy: A Systematic Central Line Quality Improvement Initiative Integrating Line-Rounding Principles and a Team Approach. Advances In Neonatal Care (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins) , 16 (3), . doi:10.1097/ANC.

Paper For Above instruction

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) remain a significant challenge within healthcare settings, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs) where the use of central venous catheters (CVCs) is prevalent. The prevention of CLABSIs is critical not only for patient safety but also for reducing healthcare costs and improving overall quality of care. Implementing evidence-based interventions supported by scholarly research is paramount to effectively reduce the incidence of these infections. This paper elucidates a comprehensive strategy for applying key interventions such as rigorous hand hygiene, utilization of curos caps, proper dressing techniques, daily assessment of line necessity, and ongoing staff education to mitigate CLABSI rates in the ICU setting.

Hand hygiene is universally recognized as the most effective measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections, including CLABSIs. Studies have demonstrated that consistent and proper hand hygiene can significantly decrease infection rates. Chopra (2010) highlighted that educational initiatives targeting healthcare workers, emphasizing the importance of handwashing before and after patient contact, resulted in a reduction of CLABSI rates from 3.9 to 1.0 per 1,000 catheter-days. Practical strategies such as placing alcohol-based hand rub dispensers at the point of care and conducting regular compliance audits can facilitate adherence to hand hygiene protocols. To apply this intervention, healthcare staff must be routinely trained and motivated to sustain high compliance levels, and supervisors should provide constant feedback and reinforcement (WHO, 2009).

Another vital intervention supported by scholarly evidence involves the use of curos caps, which contain 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) saturated sponges designed to disinfect catheter hubs. Cantrell (2013) cited a study by BYU College of Nursing that demonstrated a significant decrease in CLABSI rates with exclusive use of curos caps. These caps effectively eliminate disinfection variability and kill microorganisms responsible for bloodstream infections. To translate this evidence into practice, hospitals need to ensure that curos caps are consistently used on all central line hubs and that staff are adequately educated on their proper application. Training sessions should include demonstrations that highlight correct attachment, disconnection, and routine replacement of curos caps to maximize their effectiveness.

Proper dressing management is equally critical in preventing infections. Evidence indicates that dressings should be changed at least weekly or sooner if soiled, damp, or loose (Wilder et al., 2016). Healthcare providers must be trained in maximal sterile barrier precautions during dressing changes, including using sterile gloves, gowns, masks, and drapes. Regular competency assessments should be incorporated into staff education programs to ensure adherence to guidelines provided by the CDC and other professional organizations. Implementing a checklist for dressing change procedures can promote consistency and safety during the process (CDC, 2010).

Assessing the ongoing need for CVCs is a vital component of CLABSI prevention. Daily evaluation of each line’s necessity, with prompt removal when no longer indicated, significantly reduces infection risk. Wilder et al. (2016) suggest employing line-rounding audits that document the date of insertion, indications for placement, and scheduled removal plans. These audits serve as accountability tools and promote timely interventions to remove unnecessary lines. Education should also focus on engaging healthcare professionals, patients, and families about the importance of line removal, emphasizing that maintaining unnecessary lines increases infection risk without clinical benefit.

Integrating these interventions into a systematic, multidisciplinary approach enhances the likelihood of success. Developing unit-based initiatives such as visual dashboards displaying CLABSI rates, regular staff meetings to discuss infection control strategies, and recognition programs for compliance can foster a culture of safety and accountability. Moreover, leadership support and resource allocation are essential to sustain these efforts. Emphasizing continuous education, routine audits, and feedback can promote sustained improvement in infection prevention outcomes.

In conclusion, applying evidence-based interventions such as rigorous hand hygiene, curos caps, optimized dressing changes, regular line necessity assessments, and comprehensive staff training constitutes an effective strategy to combat CLABSIs in ICU settings. These measures require a coordinated effort among healthcare providers, administrative leaders, and patients to attain measurable reductions. As healthcare environments evolve, ongoing research and quality improvement initiatives will be essential to adapt practices and further diminish the burden of CLABSIs, ultimately enhancing patient safety and care quality.

References

  • Cantrell, S. (2013). Is science behind patient safety device selection?. Healthcare Purchasing News , 37(3), 40-46.
  • Chopra, V. (2010). Prevention of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections: Brief Update Review. Making Health Care Safer II: An Updated Critical Analysis of the Evidence for Patient Safety Practices. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Healthcare-associated Infections. CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/bloodstream.html
  • Wilder, K. A., Wall, B., Haggard, D., & Epperson, T. (2016). CLABSI Reduction Strategy: A Systematic Central Line Quality Improvement Initiative Integrating Line-Rounding Principles and a Team Approach. Advances in Neonatal Care, 16(3), 193–201. doi:10.1097/ANC.0000000000000314.
  • Patient safety and infection control guidelines from the CDC. (2021). CDC.gov.
  • O’Grady, N. P., Alexander, M., Burns, L. A., et al. (2011). Guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 32(8), 794–841.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Acute Care Hospitals. CDC.
  • Mermel, L. A. (2017). Prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections. Annals of Internal Medicine, 167(4), ITC33–ITC48.
  • Rupp, M. E., Quy, K., & Meddings, J. (2010). Use of chlorhexidine gluconate in skin preparation for catheter insertion. Nurs Clin North Am, 45(2), 165–173.
  • Gould, D., & Salmon, S. (2010). Strategies for preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections: A review. J Hosp Infect, 75(2), 106–113.

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