First PICC placement under ultrasound guidance in a Greek ICU
The peripherally inserted central catheter line was advanced with no complications, and the position of the catheter was checked using the electrocardiography method” Konstantinou et al (2015). Abstract: We present a case of a 67-year-old Caucasian female who was admitted to the pulmonary clinic of a general hospital in Athens with fever and respiratory symptoms. […]
Intravenous infiltration management for hospitalized children
Considering the effect of IV Infiltration management program, we recommend that this infiltration management program would be widely used in the clinical settings” Park et al (2015). Abstract: This study aimed to identify the effect of IV infiltration management program among hospitalized children. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Intravenous infiltration management for hospitalized children http://ctt.ec/acafQ+ @ivteam […]
Biofilm associated with catheter-related bloodstream infection
Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is one of the most serious complications in hospitalised patients, leading to increased hospitalisation, intensive care admissions, extensive antibiotic treatment and mortality” Zhang et al (2015). Abstract: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is one of the most serious complications in hospitalised patients, leading to increased hospitalisation, intensive care admissions, extensive antibiotic treatment […]
Epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections
Patients undergoing emergent hemodialysis via tunneled catheter are predisposed to Gram-negative CRBSI” Rojas-Moreno et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study had 2 objectives: (1) to describe the epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who have no access to scheduled dialysis and (2) to evaluate whether a positive culture […]
Rapid identification and mitigation of drivers for increased CLABSI rates
The purpose of this initiative was to rapidly identify and mitigate potential underlying drivers to the increased CLABSI rate” Dandoy et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Immunocompromised children are at high risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and its associated morbidity and mortality. Prevention of CLABSIs depends on highly reliable care. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… […]
Pooled ICU CLABSI rates in 20 cities of India
Despite a lower device use ratio in our ICUs, our device-associated healthcare-associated infection rates are higher than National Healthcare Safety Network…” Mehta et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To report the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium surveillance data from 40 hospitals (20 cities) in India 2004-2013. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Pooled ICU CLABSI rates in 20 […]
Prevention of infusion phlebitis and infusion related pain
We retrospectively evaluated the risk factors for colorectal cancer patients who hadL -OHP induced phlebitis and venous pain” Nakauchi et al (2015). Abstract: Venous pain induced by oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a clinical issue related to adherence to the CapeOX regimen. To prevent LOHP- induced venous pain, we provided nursing care to outpatients who were administered […]
Continuous infusion bupivacaine via an elastomeric pump
The duration of analgesia and comparative efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine and an elastomeric bupivacaine pump in a diverse surgical population were determined” Kenes et al (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE: The duration of analgesia and comparative efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine and an elastomeric bupivacaine pump in a diverse surgical population were determined. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Continuous […]
Central venous catheter maintenance bundles reduce CLABSI
“…improving maintenance care of the CVAD may result in lower CVAD-linked infection rates” Furtwängler et al (2015). Abstract: Background: During intensive chemotherapy, bloodstream infection (BSI) represents an important complication in paediatric cancer patients. Most patients carry a long-term central venous access device (CVAD). Improved maintenance care of these vascular catheters may decrease the risk of […]
Protecting chemotherapy infusion sets from light
Specific chemotherapy drugs which require to be delivered by continuous infusion over time can have their effectiveness impaired by exposure to optical radiation” Clarkson et al (2015). Abstract: Specific chemotherapy drugs which require to be delivered by continuous infusion over time can have their effectiveness impaired by exposure to optical radiation. Mechanisms and processes of […]
Effect of intravenous infusion pumps versus gravity on platelet transfusion
The purpose of this study is to evaluate infusion pumps, which are claimed to be suitable for blood products and to investigate the impact the pumps had on platelets” Meess (2015). Abstract: Platelet concentrates are given to patients suffering with severe thrombocytopenia usually by a gravity transfusion procedure. Increasing patient numbers that are in need […]
Infusion technique and drug delivery reviewed
The aim of this study is to highlight how such infusion devices may impact the drug delivery of injectable drugs” Simon et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infusion practices have been modified, especially for antineoplastic drugs, through the use of specific infusion devices with post-administration rinsing (PAR) so as to decrease occupational exposure to drugs. The […]
Systematic review of standard precaution adherence
Standard precaution (SP) adherence is universally suboptimal, despite being a core component of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) prevention and healthcare worker (HCW) safety” Hessels et al (2015). Abstract: Standard precaution (SP) adherence is universally suboptimal, despite being a core component of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) prevention and healthcare worker (HCW) safety. Emerging evidence suggests that patient safety […]
Barriers to the adoption of safety-engineered needles
This paper focuses on the ongoing barriers to the prevention of needlestick injuries among healthcare workers” Chambers et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: A number of jurisdictions have introduced regulation to accelerate the adoption of safety-engineered needles (SENs). This study examined the transition to SENs in three acute care hospitals prior to and following the implementation […]
Ultrasound-guided peripheral IV access policy development
Use of ultrasound-guided peripheral IV access fills a practice gap in safe patient care between traditional peripheral IV access methods of vein visualization and/or palpation and ultrasound-guided central venous access” Laksonen and Gasiewicz (2015). Abstract: Peripheral intravenous (IV) access provides a means to administer medications, IV fluids, and blood products and allows for the sampling […]
Persistent left superior vena cava in hematological malignancy
Persistent left superior vena cava is a congenital vascular anomaly, which is possibly arrhythmogenic and thrombogenic, rarely complicated with coronary sinus atresia” Imataki et al (2015). Abstract: Persistent left superior vena cava is a congenital vascular anomaly, which is possibly arrhythmogenic and thrombogenic, rarely complicated with coronary sinus atresia. We treated a 42-year-old male with […]
How to treat infusion phlebitis: Does an answer exist?
Although superficial thrombophlebitis of the upper extremity represents a frequent complication of intravenous catheters inserted into the peripheral veins of the forearm or hand, no consensus exists on the optimal management of this condition in clinical practice” Di Nisio et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although superficial thrombophlebitis of the upper extremity represents a frequent complication […]
OPAT outcomes for renal transplant patients
This study describes OPAT outcomes within a UK teaching hospital renal transplant population” Harrison et al (2015). Abstract: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a well-established method in medical specialties. Its use in renal transplant recipients has not been thoroughly explored. No guidelines within this patient subset exist. This study describes OPAT outcomes within a […]
Flushing vascular access devices: Which IV flush solution?
“The review found that there was not enough evidence to determine the effects of intermittent flushing of heparin versus normal saline to prevent occlusion in long term central venous catheters in infants and children” Bradford et al (2015).
The role of goal-setting for CLABSI prevention
We examine goal-setting as a factor contributing to program outcomes in eight hospitals focused on preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)” McAlearney and Hefner (2015). Abstract: While preventing health care-associated infections (HAIs) can save lives and reduce health care costs, efforts designed to eliminate HAIs have had mixed results. Variability in contextual factors such as […]
Parenteral nutrition errors in an era of drug shortages
Ingredient shortages have forced many organizations to change practices or use unfamiliar ingredients, which creates potential for error. Parenteral nutrition (PN) has been significantly affected, as every ingredient in PN has been impacted in recent years” Storey et al (2015). Abstract: Background: Ingredient shortages have forced many organizations to change practices or use unfamiliar ingredients, […]
Parent–healthcare provider interaction during peripheral vein cannulation
The aim of this study was to increase understanding of parent–healthcare provider interaction in situations where newly admitted preschool children resist peripheral vein cannulation” Svendsen et al (2015). Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study was to increase understanding of parent–healthcare provider interaction in situations where newly admitted preschool children resist peripheral vein cannulation. [ctt […]
Empowering patients to reduce the burden of health care–associated infections
This qualitative study explored the knowledge and attitudes of health care workers toward the concept of patient empowerment focused on improving infection control practices” Seale et al (2015). Abstract: Background: Any approach promoting a culture of safety and the prevention of health care–associated infections (HCAIs) should involve all stakeholders, including by definition the patients themselves. […]
Malposition of central venous catheters reviewed
The objectives of this review were to describe factors associated with intravascular malpositioning of CVCs inserted via the neck and chest and to offer ways of preventing, identifying, and correcting such malpositioning” Roldan and Paniagua (2015). Abstract: Despite the level of skill of the operator and the use of ultrasound guidance, central venous catheter (CVC) […]
Peer-to-peer program reduces CLABSI rates
The purpose of this article is to describe a peer-to-peer program and the outcomes of interventions to reduce the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections…” Zavotsky et al (2015). Abstract: The purpose of this article is to describe a peer-to-peer program and the outcomes of interventions to reduce the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections […]
Adherence to blood specimen collection guidelines
We investigated to what extent workplace affiliation explains variation of self-reported adherence to venous blood specimen collection regarding patient identification and test request handling practices, taking into consideration other primary healthcare centre and individual phlebotomist characteristics” Nilsson et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines aim to enhance patient safety by reducing inappropriate variations in […]
How to relieve pain and distress during venipuncture
The present results suggest that the multidisciplinary procedure is feasible, acceptable and suitable for use in children undergoing venipuncture” Yamamoto-Hanada et al (2015). Abstract: Pain management for needle-related procedures is poor in Japan. In many countries the use of lidocaine/prilocaine cream for the relief of pain associated with venipuncture has been approved. In children, a […]
Phlebotomy room automated reception outcomes
The use of automated reception and TAT management system was associated with a decrease of overall TAT and an improved workflow at the phlebotomy room” Yun et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent advances in laboratory information systems have largely been focused on automation. However, the phlebotomy services have not been completely automated. To address this […]
What is the effect of central catheter dwell time on risk of CLABSI
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of catheter dwell time on risk of CLABSI” Greenberg et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Central venous catheters in the NICU are associated with significant morbidity and mortality because of the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The purpose of this study was […]
Neonatal PICC CLABSI rates explained
To compare the rates of catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI) in preterm infants born at <30 weeks’ gestation who received a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) versus an umbilical venous catheter (UVC) immediately after birth as their primary venous access” Shalabi et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare the rates of catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI) in preterm […]