Central line associated bloodstream infections in children
Abstract:
Purpose: This study aimed to determine and weight the possible risk factors for central line associated bloodstream infections in children with central venous/port catheters using the Delphi method and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process.
Design and methods: Literature retrieval and researchers discussions were conducted to identify initial possible risk factors for central line associated bloodstream infections. Two rounds of Delphi surveys were used to collect expert opinions. Based on the importance given to each indicators by the consulted experts in the previous round, we determined the weight and priority of each indicator with the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process.
Results: As a result of Delphi process, expert authority coefficient was 0.858 and Kendall W value was 0.261 (p < 0.001). In Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process analyses, the most important primary indicator was found as healthcare related factors (0.516) and secondary indicator was found to be knowledge/skills of healthcare professionals (0.229). Finally, consensus was reached on 5 primary and 24 secondary indicators.
Conclusions: Possible risk factors for central line associated bloodstream infections were determined by consensus reached as a result of expert opinions.
Practice implications: The results can be useful for planning preventive measures for infection management in clinical settings.
Reference:
Ardahan Sevgili S, Kahraman A. Determination of risk factors for central line associated bloodstream infections in children: A Delphi and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process study. J Pediatr Nurs. 2025 Dec 1;86:443-450. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.11.040. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41330111.