CLABSI prevention in the emergency department
The CLABSI rates in this academic medical center ED were in the range of those reported by the ICU” Theodoro et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) attributed to central venous catheters (CVCs) inserted in the emergency department (ED) is not widely reported. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… CLABSI prevention […]
Central venous catheter insertion training using simulation
The purpose of this study was to determine how an error-focused training program affected performance, retention, and transfer of central venous catheter (CVC) placement skills when compared with traditional training methodologies” Gardner et al (2015). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Error management training is an approach that encourages exposure to errors during initial skill acquisition so that learners […]
Central venous catheter repair does not increase infection risk
Repair of central venous catheters in the pediatric population with intestinal failure does not lead to an increased rate of central venous catheter infection and should be performed when possible” McNiven et al (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE: The intestinal failure (IF) population is dependent upon central venous catheters (CVC) to maintain minimal energy requirements for growth. […]
Comparison of polyurethane PICCs
This study describes a comparative analysis of eight commercial polyurethane, single-lumen peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) from different vendors” Poli et al (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE: This study describes a comparative analysis of eight commercial polyurethane, single-lumen peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) from different vendors. The aim was to investigate the mechanical response of […]
MAGIC: Indications for insertion, maintenance and care of PICCs
Defining appropriate indications for insertion, maintenance, and care of PICCs is thus important for patient safety” Chopra et al (2015). Abstract: Use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has grown substantially in recent years. Increasing use has led to the realization that PICCs are associated with important complications, including thrombosis and infection. Moreover, some PICCs […]
Central venous access device insertion in patients with haemophilia A
In this article, we describe the experience at McMaster Children’s Hospital using FVIII replacement therapy in 15 children with severe haemophilia A during the course of 7 years” Fonseca et al (2015). Abstract: Central venous access device (CVAD) insertion is one of the most common procedures performed on paediatric haemophilia patients. There are no clear […]
Reducing venepuncture distress in children
This study therefore examined the effect of adults’ verbal and non-verbal behaviour on children’s distress during venepuncture” Thompson et al (2015). Abstract: Venepuncture and other needle-related procedures can distress children and have a lasting negative impact. Adults’ behaviour during these procedures may affect children’s reactions. However, the literature is contradictory and rarely considers verbal and […]
Implementing intraosseous training for clinical staff
The goal of this project was a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving to increase access of IO catheters to rescue patients in all care areas” Chreiman et al (2015). Abstract: The intraosseous (IO) access initiative at an urban university adult level 1 trauma center began from the need for a more expeditious vascular access route […]
Hospital cleaners at risk of ineffective sharps disposal
To identify the frequency and profile of exposure incidents, classify the role of sharps waste and compare the first and last occurrence for hospital housekeepers with multiple exposure incidents” Ream et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Improper waste management exposes hospital housekeepers to biological risk. OBJECTIVES: To identify the frequency and profile of exposure incidents, classify […]
Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous access in children
A prospective, randomized controlled trial compared the success of peripheral venipuncture in pediatric patients using vascular ultrasound and standard landmark methods and the occurrence of infiltration and phlebitis” Avelar et al (2015). Abstract: A prospective, randomized controlled trial compared the success of peripheral venipuncture in pediatric patients using vascular ultrasound and standard landmark methods and […]
Preventing and treating hospital-acquired anemia
This study also will review the risks and benefits of treating hospital-acquired anemia” Martin and Scantling (2015). Abstract: Advances in medicine have significantly improved lives and life spans globally. However, these practices have come with their own set of secondary consequences. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Preventing and treating hospital-acquired anemia http://ctt.ec/SfAG4+ @ivteam #ivteam” coverup=”SfAG4″] Hospital-acquired […]
Infusion therapy nurse role in the treatment of chronic anemia
Infusion therapy nurses play a vital role in the assessment and delivery of medication therapy to patients with chronic anemia” Betcher et al (2015). Abstract: Chronic anemia develops over a course of weeks to months and is usually mild to moderate in nature. It is important to understand the etiology of the reduced number of […]
Pregnancy-related challenges in systemic autoimmune diseases
Pregnancy usually has a positive effect on rheumatoid arthritis; however, a disease flare is common during the postpartum period” Taraborelli and Erkan (2015). Abstract: The awareness of pregnancy-related physiologic changes and complications is critical for the appropriate assessment and management of pregnant patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. The overlapping features of physiologic and pathological changes, […]
Measuring vein diameter prior to PICC placement
Choosing an appropriately sized vein reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central catheters” Sharp et al (2015). Abstract: Choosing an appropriately sized vein reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central catheters. This observational study described the diameters of the brachial, basilic, and cephalic veins and determined the […]
European certification of infection prevention training
European certification of IPC training and professionals would be the next logical step, which must be achieved by close collaboration of different stakeholders in Europe such as the ECDC, the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), the European Union of Medical Specialities, and the national IPC societies” Zingg et al (2015). Abstract: […]
How effective are blood donor health questionnaires
However, at least a quarter of infected donors appeared noncompliant to the donor health questionnaire (DHQ), suggesting that DHQs, or the way donor questioning is implemented, can be improved” Slot et al (2015). Reference: BACKGROUND: Risk behavior–based donor selection procedures are widely used to mitigate the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs), but their effectiveness is […]
Transfusion safety in five Western countries reviewed
Blood safety policymaking involves a wide variety of competing concerns, and approaches to reconcile these considerations are themselves contested” Kramer et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The availability of costly safety measures against transfusion-transmissible infections forces Western countries to confront difficult ethical questions. How to decide about implementing such measures? When are such decisions justified? As […]
Using various catheter lock therapy techniques to prevent CLABSI
Antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) and ethanol lock therapy (ELT) can be used to prevent CRBSI episodes in high-risk patients” Davidson et al (2015). Abstract: Introduction:Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a serious complication in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) and ethanol lock therapy (ELT) can be used to prevent CRBSI episodes […]
Biofilm guidelines describe diagnosis and treatment
It is the purpose of the guideline to bring the current knowledge of biofilm diagnosis and therapy to the attention of clinical microbiologists and infectious disease specialists” Høiby et al (2015). Abstract: Biofilms cause chronic infections in tissues or by developing on the surfaces of medical devices. Biofilm infections persist despite both antibiotic therapy and […]
Monitoring central venous catheter resistance to predict occlusion
Catheter occlusion is associated with an increased risk of subsequent complications, including bloodstream infection, venous thrombosis, and catheter fracture” Wolf et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Long-term central venous catheters are essential for the management of chronic medical conditions, including childhood cancer. Catheter occlusion is associated with an increased risk of subsequent complications, including bloodstream infection, […]
Misplaced dialysis catheter into the accessory hemiazygos vein
We report a case of misplaced dialysis catheter into the accessory hemiazygos vein which resulted in a large hemothorax…” Ali et al (2015). Abstract: Central venous placement using ultrasound has significantly reduced the complications associated with blind puncture. The central venous catheter can still get misplaced if it follows an anomalous route after appropriate puncture […]
Risk factors associated with needlestick injuries
This study examined the prevalence of and risk factors for needlestick injuries (NSIs), sharps injuries (SIs), and blood and body fluid exposures (BBFEs) among operating room nurses in Thai hospitals” Kasatpibal et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Operating room nurses are at high risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This study examined the prevalence of […]
Central line bundle implementation reviewed
In institutions with a high proportion of CLABSI caused by Gram-negative bacteria, severity of bacteremia and delay in catheter removal were significant factors associated with mortality” Lin et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) are at high risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Bundle care has been documented to […]
Can intraosseous aspirates be used to determine Troponin I levels
We aimed to perform a descriptive study, aiming to elucidate whether IO needles can be used to evaluate troponin I in a porcine model of human shock” Eriksson et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Determination of troponin I may be important in the management of the critically ill patient. In medical emergencies, especially when vascular access […]
User preference for a portable syringe pump for iloprost infusion
The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction level of patients and nurses, after the introduction of a new portable syringe pump (Infonde(®), Italfarmaco S.p.A., Milan, Italy) at the Department of Rheumatology, Magenta Hospital, Milan, Italy” Laria et al (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE: Administration of intravenous iloprost – a first-line European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)-recommended […]
Case study of extended-infusion Meropenem treatment
Our patient improved with no noted recurrences or adverse effects on the extended-infusion meropenem regimen” Nichols et al (2015). Abstract: A 13-year-old female experienced a recurrence of baclofen pump-related central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Achromobacter, despite absence of retained foreign material. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Case study of extended-infusion Meropenem treatment http://ctt.ec/p3DTl+ @ivteam […]
Vascular access robots are being developed
The development of robots-assisted central or peripheral veins puncture would facilitate life of health professionals and patients” Pasternak (2015). Abstract: Vein access can be challenging for a variety of patients. The development of robots-assisted central or peripheral veins puncture would facilitate life of health professionals and patients. New robots are under development for this purpose […]
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and glucose monitoring
This article reviews the use of insulin pumps and CGM in the treatment of diabetes mellitus” Cohen (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: While multiple daily insulin injections remains the state-of-the-art treatment for type 1 diabetes, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) has become increasingly popular in recent years. Up to 40% of people with type 1 diabetes in […]
Medication errors with concentrated potassium intravenous solutions
Accidental direct intravenous injection of a concentrated solution of potassium often leads to patient death. In France, recommendations of healthcare agencies to prevent such accidents cover only preparation and intravenous infusion conditions” Charpiat et al (2015). Abstract: Accidental direct intravenous injection of a concentrated solution of potassium often leads to patient death. In France, recommendations of […]
What are the benefits of medical equipment libraries
The benefits of managing medical equipment which is in widespread general use, through a MELS as part of a Clinical Engineering Department, are presented” Keay et al (2015). Abstract: The hospital-wide pooling and sharing of certain types of medical equipment can lead to both significant improvements in patient safety and financial advantages when compared with […]