Nicole Kelbert, University of Utah
Nursing
Introduction:
Central line dressing changes put patients at high risk for hospital acquired infections (HAI) when there are procedural violations. Infection has been identified as a potentially life-threatening complication of central venous catheterization, with an associated estimated mortality of 12% for each infection.
Methods:
This observational study with a descriptive design examined the number and types of procedural violations that may cause HAI. Fifty oncology nurses from Huntsman Cancer Hospital were observed in a controlled simulation-lab environment performing a central line dressing change procedure. The nurses were either B.S. or A.D. prepared nurses, and they varied from novice to experienced. Using a central line dressing protocol from Huntsman Cancer Hospital we created a coding matrix for the central line dressing change procedure. This is the protocol in which the nurses were trained and accustomed. Each dressing change was coded, specific procedural violations were identified, and the data was exported to Excel and analyzed. Data collection took place in the University of Utah College of Nursing Simulation Learning Center.
Results:
The frequency and type of procedural violations have been identified. Using t-tests we will compare the frequency of procedural violations among novice versus experienced nurses, and B.S. prepared nurses versus A.D. prepared, and interrupted versus non-interrupted tasks. We will be finished analyzing the results in December.
Conclusion:
This research could lead to improved training techniques for nurses, as well as reduce the number of HAI related to central line dressing changes. Findings regarding level of adherence to central line dressing procedures, as well as errors and the introduction of patient safety hazards will be presented.