Using a combined nursing and medical approach to reduce the incidence of central line associated bacteraemia in a New Zealand critical care unit: a clinical audit

Effect of ICU care bundles on long-term patient-relevant outcomes: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

Care bundles are considered a key tool to improve bedside quality of care in the intensive care unit (ICU). We explored their effect on long-term patient-relevant outcomes.

DESIGN

Systematic literature search and scoping review.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science, CDSR and CENTRAL for keywords of intensive care, care bundles, patient-relevant outcomes, and follow-up studies.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Original articles with patients admitted to adult ICUs assessing bundle implementations and measuring long-term (ie, ICU discharge or later) patient-relevant outcomes (ie, mortality, health-related quality of life (HrQoL), post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), care-related outcomes, adverse events, and social health).

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

After dual, independent, two-stage selection and charting, eligible records were critically appraised and assessed for bundle type, implementation strategies, and effects on long-term patient-relevant outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 2012 records, 38 met inclusion criteria; 55% (n=21) were before-after studies, 21% (n=8) observational cohort studies, 13% (n=5) randomised controlled trials, and 11% (n=4) had other designs. Bundles pertained to sepsis (n=11), neurocognition (n=6), communication (n=4), early rehabilitation (n=3), pharmacological discontinuation (n=3), ventilation (n=2) or combined bundles (n=9). Almost two-thirds of the studies reported on survival (n=24), 45% (n=17) on care-related outcomes (eg, discharge disposition), and 13% (n=5) of studies on HrQoL. Regarding PICS, 24% (n=9) assessed cognition, 13% (n=5) physical health, and 11% (n=4) mental health, up to 1 year after discharge. The effects of bundles on long-term patient-relevant outcomes was inconclusive, except for a positive effect of sepsis bundles on survival. The inconclusive effects may have been due to the high risk of bias in included studies and the variability in implementation strategies, instruments, and follow-up times.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need to explore the long-term effects of ICU bundles on HrQoL and PICS. Closing this knowledge gap appears vital to determine if there is long-term patient value of ICU bundles.

Use of patient-relevant outcome measures to assess the long-term effects of care bundles in the ICU: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

There is only moderate adherence to evidence-based practice in critical care. Care bundles can be used to increase adherence to best clinical practice. Components of bundle interventions, bundle implementation rates, barriers and facilitators of bundle implementation, and the effect of care bundles on short-term patient outcomes such as intensive care unit (ICU) mortality all appear to be regularly studied. However, over the last years, critical care research has turned towards long-term patient-relevant outcomes after discharge from the ICU. To our knowledge, there is no systematic overview on the long-term effect of care bundle implementation on patient-relevant outcomes. We present a protocol for a scoping review of the available literature on the effect of the implementation of care bundles in the ICU on long-term patient-relevant outcomes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This scoping review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and the Arksey and O'Malley framework. The recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute for Scoping Reviews will also be followed. A systematic literature research will be performed using electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CDSR and CENTRAL). A preliminary search has been conducted on 1 September 2021, yielding 1929 entries. The main search, data extraction and charting has not been started yet. This scoping review will provide an overview of the long-term patient-relevant outcomes that have been used to assess the implementation of care bundles in the ICU. It will be the first study to summarise the long-term impact of care bundles for critically ill patients and identify research gaps to inform future research.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Due to the utilisation of already published primary studies, ethical approval is dispensable. Results of this work will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Expert consensus-based clinical practice guidelines management of intravascular catheters in the intensive care unit

The French Society of Intensive Care Medicine (SRLF), jointly with the French-Speaking Group of Paediatric Emergency Rooms and Intensive Care Units (GFRUP) and the French-Speaking Association of Paediatric Surgical Intensivists (ADARPEF), worked out guidelines for the management of central venous catheters (CVC), arterial catheters and dialysis catheters in intensive care unit. For adult patients: Using GRADE methodology, 36 recommendations for an improved catheter management were produced by the 22 experts. Recommendations regarding catheter-related infections’ prevention included the preferential use of subclavian central vein (GRADE 1), a one-step skin disinfection(GRADE 1) using 2% chlorhexidine (CHG)-alcohol (GRADE 1), and the implementation of a quality of care improvement program. Antiseptic- or antibiotic-impregnated CVC should likely not be used (GRADE 2, for children and adults). Catheter dressings should likely not be changed before the 7th day, except when the dressing gets detached, soiled or impregnated with blood (GRADE 2− adults). CHG dressings should likely be used (GRADE 2+). For adults and children, ultrasound guidance should be used to reduce mechanical complications in case of internal jugular access (GRADE 1), subclavian access (Grade 2) and femoral venous, arterial radial and femoral access (Expert opinion). For children, an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach of the brachiocephalic vein was recommended to reduce the number of attempts for cannulation and mechanical complications. Based on scarce publications on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and on their experience (expert opinion), the panel proposed definitions, and therapeutic strategies.

Practice Guidelines for Central Venous Access 2020

These practice guidelines update the Practice Guidelines for Central Venous Access: A Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Central Venous Access, adopted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists in 2011 and published in 2012. These updated guidelines are intended for use by anesthesiologists and individuals under the supervision of an anesthesiologist and may also serve as a resource for other physicians, nurses, or healthcare providers who manage patients with central venous catheters.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

IMPACTO DA IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DOS BUNDLES NA REDUÇÃO DAS INFECÇÕES DA CORRENTE SANGUÍNEA: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as produções científicas nacionais e internacionais sobre o impacto dos bundles na prevenção de infecção da corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter venoso central em unidade de terapia intensiva adulta. Método: revisão integrativa de artigos publicados no Portal Capes, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, CINAHL e SCOPUS, entre 2011 e 2016. Resultados: encontraram-se 16 artigos, 100% relacionados à implementação dos bundles para a inserção do cateter venoso central e 50% à manutenção deste dispositivo. O tempo de intervenção foi variado, bem como o número de medidas e o período analisado (inserção/manutenção do cateter). No entanto, a redução da infecção da corrente sanguínea relacionada ao dispositivo foi apontada em todos os estudos entre 26% e 100%. Conclusão: a adoção de bundle evidenciou um impacto positivo na redução da infecção. Todavia, não se observou uma relação direta entre o número de medidas descritas nos estudos ou o maior tempo de implementação e taxas mais altas de redução da infecção.

The effects of care bundles on patient outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Care bundles are a set of three to five evidence-informed practices performed collectively and reliably to improve the quality of care. Care bundles are used widely across healthcare settings with the aim of preventing and managing different health conditions. This is the first systematic review designed to determine the effects of care bundles on patient outcomes and the behaviour of healthcare workers in relation to fidelity with care bundles.

METHODS

This systematic review is reported in line with the PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A total of 5796 abstracts were retrieved through a systematic search for articles published between January 1, 2001, to February 4, 2017, in the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, British Nursing Index, CINAHL, PsychInfo, British Library, Conference Proceeding Citation Index, OpenGrey trials (including cluster-randomised trials) and non-randomised studies (comprising controlled before-after studies, interrupted time series, cohort studies) of care bundles for any health condition and any healthcare settings were considered. Following the removal of duplicated studies, two reviewers independently screen 3134 records. Three authors performed data extraction independently. We compared the care bundles with usual care to evaluate the effects of care bundles on the risk of negative patient outcomes. Random-effect models were used to further explore the effects of subgroups.

RESULTS

In total, 37 studies (6 randomised trials, 31 controlled before-after studies) were eligible for inclusion. The effect of care bundles on patient outcomes is uncertain. For randomised trial data, the pooled relative risk of negative effects between care bundle and control groups was 0.97 [95% CI 0.71 to 1.34; 2049 participants]. The relative risk of negative patient outcomes from controlled before-after studies favoured the care bundle treated groups (0.66 [95% CI 0.59 to 0.75; 119,178 participants]). However, using GRADE, we assessed the certainty of all of the evidence to be very low (downgraded for risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness).

CONCLUSIONS

Very low quality evidence from controlled before-after studies suggests that care bundles may reduce the risk of negative outcomes when compared with usual care. By contrast, the better quality evidence from six randomised trials is more uncertain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42016033175.

A flowchart for building evidence-based care bundles in intensive care: based on a systematic review

Purpose

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement is the founder of the care bundled approach and described the methods used on how to develop care bundles. However, other useful methods are published as well. In this systematic review, we identified what different methods were used to design care bundles in intensive care units. The results were used to build a comprehensive flowchart to guide through the care bundle design process.

Data sources

Electronic databases were searched for eligible studies in PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL from January 2001 to August 2014.

Study selection

There were no restrictions on the types of study design eligible for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed by using the Downs & Black-checklist or Appraisal of Guidelines, REsearch and Evaluation II.

Data extraction

Data extraction was independently performed by two reviewers.

Results of data synthesis

A total of 4665 records were screened and 18 studies were finally included. The complete process of designing bundles was reported in 33% (6/18). In 50% (9/18), one of the process steps was described. A narrative report was written about care bundles in general in 17% (3/18). We built a comprehensive flowchart to visualize and structure the process of designing care bundles.

Conclusion

We identified useful methods for designing evidence-based care bundles. We built a comprehensive flowchart to provide an overview of the methods used to design care bundles so that others could choose their own applicable method. It guides through all necessary steps in the process of designing care bundles.

Evidence-based measures to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections: a systematic review

Objective:

to identify evidence-based care to prevent CLABSI among adult patients hospitalized in ICUs.

Method:

systematic review conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl, Web of Science, Lilacs, Bdenf and Cochrane Studies addressing care and maintenance of central venous catheters, published from January 2011 to July 2014 were searched. The 34 studies identified were organized in an instrument and assessed by using the classification provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results:

the studies presented care bundles including elements such as hand hygiene and maximal barrier precautions; multidimensional programs and strategies such as impregnated catheters and bandages and the involvement of facilities in and commitment of staff to preventing infections.

Conclusions:

care bundles coupled with education and the commitment of both staff and institutions is a strategy that can contribute to decreased rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections among adult patients hospitalized in intensive care units.

Effectiveness of insertion and maintenance bundles to prevent central-line-associated bloodstream infections in critically ill patients of all ages: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a major problem in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. We aimed to quantify the effectiveness of central-line bundles (insertion or maintenance or both) to prevent these infections.

METHODS

We searched Embase, MEDLINE OvidSP, Web-of-Science, and Cochrane Library to identify studies reporting the implementation of central-line bundles in adult ICU, paediatric ICU (PICU), or neonatal ICU (NICU) patients. We searched for studies published between Jan 1, 1990, and June 30, 2015. For the meta-analysis, crude estimates of infections were pooled by use of a DerSimonian and Laird random effect model. The primary outcome was the number of CLABSIs per 1000 catheter-days before and after implementation. Incidence risk ratios (IRRs) were obtained by use of random-effects models.

FINDINGS

We initially identified 4337 records, and after excluding duplicates and those ineligible, 96 studies met the eligibility criteria, 79 of which contained sufficient information for a meta-analysis. Median CLABSIs incidence were 5·7 per 1000 catheter-days (range 1·2-46·3; IQR 3·1-9·5) on adult ICUs; 5·9 per 1000 catheter-days (range 2·6-31·1; 4·8-9·4) on PICUs; and 8·4 per 1000 catheter-days (range 2·6-24·1; 3·7-16·0) on NICUs. After implementation of central-line bundles the CLABSI incidence ranged from 0 to 19·5 per 1000 catheter-days (median 2·6, IQR 1·2-4·4) in all types of ICUs. In our meta-analysis the incidence of infections decreased significantly from median 6·4 per 1000 catheter-days (IQR 3·8-10·9) to 2·5 per 1000 catheter-days (1·4-4·8) after implementation of bundles (IRR 0·44, 95% CI 0·39-0·50, p<0·0001; I(2)=89%).

INTERPRETATION

Implementation of central-line bundles has the potential to reduce the incidence of CLABSIs.

FUNDING

None.

What are effective strategies for the implementation of care bundles on ICUs: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Care bundles have proven to be effective in improving clinical outcomes. It is not known which strategies are the most effective to implement care bundles. A systematic review was conducted to determine the strategies used to implement care bundles in adult intensive care units and to assess the effects of these strategies when implementing bundles.

METHODS

The databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Ovid/Embase, CINAHL and CENTRAL were searched for eligible studies until January 31, 2015. Studies with (non)randomised designs on central line, ventilator or sepsis bundles were included if implementation strategies and bundle compliance were reported. Methodological quality was assessed by using the Downs and Black checklist. Data extraction and quality assessments were independently performed by two reviewers.

RESULTS

In total, 1533 records were screened and 47 studies were finally included. In 49 %, pre/post designs were used, 38 % prospective cohorts, and the remaining studies used retrospective designs (6 %), interrupted time series (4 %) and longitudinal designs (2 %). The methodological quality was classified as 'fair' in 77 %, and the remaining as 'good' (13 %) and 'poor' (11 %). The most frequently used strategies were education (86 %), reminders (71 %) and audit and feedback (63 %). Our results show that compliance is influenced by multiple factors, i.e. types and numbers of elements varied and different compliance measurements were reported. Furthermore, compliance was calculated within different time frames. Also, detailed information about compliance, such as numerators and denominators, was not reported. Therefore, recalculation of consistent monthly compliance levels was not possible.

CONCLUSIONS

The three most frequently used strategies were education, reminders and audit and feedback. We conclude that the heterogeneity among the included studies was high due to the variety in study designs, number and types of elements and types of compliance measurements. Due to the heterogeneity of the data and the poor quality of the studies, conclusions about which strategy results in the highest levels of bundle compliance could not be determined. We strongly recommend that studies in quality improvement should be reported in a formalised way in order to be able to compare research findings. It is imperative that authors follow the standards for quality improvement reporting excellence (SQUIRE) guidelines whenever they report quality improvement studies.

Weekly chlorhexidine douche: does it reduce healthcare-associated bloodstream infections?

BACKGROUND

Daily chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing has been used as a precaution to reduce the rate of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (HA-BSI). The application frequency of CHG bathing remains unclear, this procedure has been implemented daily by this time. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of weekly whole-body douche with CHG shower gel on rates of HA-BSI.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective intervention trial in medical, surgical, and anesthesiology intensive care units (ICUs) in a tertiary teaching hospital from June 2011 to November 2012. This study included three periods. During the first period, patients received a daily bed bath by wiping with water and soap. In the second period patients were given a weekly douche with water and soap; in the third period patients were given a weekly douche with CHG shower gel. The rates of HA-BSI were compared between the three periods using Poisson regression analysis.

RESULTS

The central line-associated bloodstream infection rates did not decline significantly between periods (p = 0.76). The laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (LCBSI) rates in the first, second, and third periods were 7.1, 4, and 1.7, respectively. The LCBSI rates were reduced 43.7% from the first period to the second period (p = 0.03). In addition, there was a 57.5% reduction in LCBSI rates between the second and third periods (p < 0.001). Interestingly, the major decline (76.1%) was determined from the first to the third period (p < 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Weekly douche with CHG shower gel significantly reduced LCBSI rates. Further studies are needed to validate the clinical impact of different intervals of CHG bathing.