Impact of a dedicated nursing team on central line-related complications in neonatal intensive care unit

Effectiveness and safety of methods to prevent bloodstream and other infections and noninfectious complications associated with peripherally inserted central catheters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have a 29% complication rate. This systematic review assessed 25 interventions to prevent PICC-associated infectious and noninfectious complications in participants of all ages.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, WHO Global Index Medicus, CINAHL) and reference lists for randomized (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies published from January 1, 1980-May 8, 2024. We dually selected studies, assessed risk of bias, extracted data, and rated certainty of evidence (COE). We included both single interventions of interest and combinations of at least two (bundle/multimodal). If three or more RCTs existed, we conducted Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Seventy-four studies met our eligibility criteria (60 on individual interventions, 14 on bundle/multimodal), addressing 13 of 25 research questions. The majority were conducted in high-income countries; 36 focused on neonates. Evidence was very uncertain for 11 of the 13 research questions. Evidence with a stronger COE showed that ultrasound-guided catheter insertion reduced phlebitis/thrombophlebitis in adults compared to non-ultrasound-guided insertion (five RCTs; risk ratio [RR] 0.19, 95% credible interval 0.08-0.50); silicone catheters increased phlebitis/thrombophlebitis compared to nonsilicone (one RCT, RR 2.00, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.26-3.17). Bundle interventions decreased local infections (one RCT, RR 0.47, 95%CI 0.31-0.72) and phlebitis/thrombophlebitis in adults (one RCT, RR 0.35, 95%CI 0.22-0.56) compared to routine care.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided catheter insertion and nonsilicone catheters effectively prevented PICC complications. The evidence for other comparisons was too uncertain to draw conclusions, highlighting the urgent need for additional studies on prevention and control interventions.

Successful practices to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections post pandemic: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) decreased in U.S. hospitals over the last decade, but CLABSI rates increased during the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the downward trend. This study explored factors contributing to the reduction of CLABSI, identifying deviations in infection prevention and control protocol during the pandemic, actions taken to address the increase in CLABSI, and factors promoting sustained progress.

METHODS

This qualitative study used the National Healthcare Safety Network data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified hospitals with elevated CLABSI standardized infection ratios (SIR) >1 between Q1 2019 - Q4 2021 followed by four quarters of sustained reduction (CLABSI SIR <1). Joint Commission researchers conducted semi-structured phone interviews with infection preventionist professionals from six hospitals representing these performance patterns.

RESULTS

Interview themes suggested that staffing shortages (83%) and less vigilant central line practices (100%) contributed to increased CLABSI SIR during the pandemic. Organizations described evidence-based interventions, such as using chlorhexidine gluconate for skin preparation, along with other innovative strategies they used to establish reduced CLABSI rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, some health care organizations have excelled in their efforts to reduce and sustain low rates of CLABSI by implementing evidence-based practices, innovative solutions, and education.

Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) best practice guideline on the assessment and management of vascular access devices

INTRODUCTION

Vascular access is the most common invasive procedure performed in health care. This fundamental procedure must be performed in a safe and effective manner. Vascular access devices (VADs) are often the source of infections and other complications, yet there is a lack of clear guidance on VADs for health providers across different settings. A Best Practice Guideline (BPG) was developed by the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) to provide evidence-based recommendations on the assessment and management of VADs.

METHODS

RNAO BPGs are based on systematic reviews of the literature following the GRADE approach. Experts on the topic of vascular access were selected to form a panel. Systematic reviews were conducted on six research areas: education, vascular access specialists, blood draws, daily review of peripheral VADs, visualization technologies, and pain management. A search for relevant research studies published in English limited to January 2013 was applied to eight databases. All studies were independently assessed for eligibility and risk of bias by two reviewers based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The GRADE approach was used to determine certainty of the evidence.

RESULTS

Over 65,000 articles were screened related to the six priority research questions. Of these, 876 full-text publications were examined for relevance, with 174 articles designated to inform nine recommendations in the BPG on the subject areas of: comprehensive health teaching, practical education for health providers, blood draws, daily review of peripheral VADs, visualization technologies, and pain management. In June 2021, the RNAO published the BPG on vascular access, which included the recommendations and other supporting resources.

CONCLUSION

The vascular access BPG provides high quality guidance and updated recommendations, and can serve as a primary resource for health providers assessing and managing VADs.

A Quality Improvement Initiative to Provide Timely Central Vascular Access in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Timely central venous access is essential in the care of critically ill neonates. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are the preferred form of central venous access when umbilical venous catheters cannot be placed or are discontinued. However, time delays increase risk for injury from peripheral intravenous lines and may contribute to inconsistent delivery of necessary fluids and medications.

PURPOSE

The aim of this quality improvement project was to decrease wait times for PICC placement in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

METHODS

A unit-based PICC team was developed consisting of NICU nurses and attending neonatologists and implemented in 2 phases. Data were collected from chart reviews before, during, and after implementation of the team. We tracked time between PICC order and placement and number of attempts. Hospital metrics on peripheral intravenous line infiltrations and central line-associated blood stream infection were also monitored. At the end of the project, we continued tracking outcomes to determine whether gains would be sustained past the project period.

RESULTS

Implementation of a unit-based interdisciplinary specialty team led to a 50% reduction in mean PICC wait times from 1.2 days to 0.58 days. Benefits of the initiative were sustained past the initial project period.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The development of a dedicated, local team played a key role in improving vascular access in the NICU.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

Proximity of specialized teams provides a solution to address gaps in care in the NICU.

Mechanical stimulation is a risk factor for phlebitis associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheter in neonates

BACKGROUND

Our peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) management plan for neonates previously included routine inspection for swelling and induration of the insertion site of a PICC using palpation. However, we discontinued routine palpation from July 13, 2018, owing to a peculiarly high incidence of PICC-related phlebitis. The aim of this study was to prove that routine palpation was the cause of PICC-related phlebitis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and underwent PICC placement from January 2018 to January 2019. The infants were classified into palpating (before July 13, 2018) and non-palpating (after or on July 13, 2018) groups. We analyzed and compared the incidence of PICC-related phlebitis in the two groups.

RESULTS

Phlebitis related to PICC was more frequently observed in the palpating group (10/29 infants, 34.5%) than in the non-palpating group (1/31, 3.2%) (P = 0.002). After discontinuation of routine palpating in PICC management, the frequency of non-scheduled removal of the PICC due to phlebitis decreased. The indwelling period was significantly longer in the non-palpating group than in the palpating group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that mechanical stimulation using palpation of the insertion site was the cause of PICC-related phlebitis, resulting in early non-scheduled removal.

Current training in percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC) placement and maintenance for neonatal-perinatal medicine fellows

OBJECTIVE

To describe the current educational status of percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion/ maintenance training for neonatal-perinatal medicine (NPM) fellows in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional 34-question survey was electronically distributed to NPM fellowship training program directors (PDs) in the United States.

RESULTS

The response rate was 81.8% (81/99 PD). Most PDs (68.5%) reported that their neonatal intensive care unit has a PICC team. Fellows were PICC team members in 72%. Only 52% of programs offer formal training in PICC placement to fellows; 61.5% of these utilize a standardized curriculum. Dedicated PICC team existence was negatively associated with formal training for PICC insertion and maintenance for fellows (42.0% with PICC team vs. 73.91% without, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Wide variation exists in fellow's exposure, education, and competency assessment in PICC-related activities nationally. Development of a standardized curriculum would be beneficial.