Quality Improvement Initiative Reduces the Occurrence of Complications in Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters
Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used to access the central venous system. However, central vascular access devices are associated with a risk of complications, which may include infection, thrombosis, occlusion, or malposition. The vascular access team of 1 midwestern hospital used a quality improvement initiative to reduce the occurrence of complications associated with PICCs. A secondary aim was to reduce the number of alteplase (Cathflo Activase; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) doses administered. After reviewing current evidence, the vascular access team employed the Plan-Do-Study-Act c...
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - January 1, 2019 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Improving Aseptic Technique During the Treatment of Pediatric Septic Shock: A Comparison of 2 Rapid Fluid Delivery Methods
This study confirms the risk of PPT-associated syringe contamination and suggests that this risk could be mitigated with the use of a protected syringe system, such as LifeFlow. (Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing)
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - January 1, 2019 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Trends in Infusion Administrative Practices in US Health Care Organizations: An Exploratory Analysis
This article presents the authors' exploratory findings, as well as their potential implications. (Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing)
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - January 1, 2019 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Choose to Lead
No abstract available (Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing)
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - January 1, 2019 Category: Nursing Tags: Department: Editorial Source Type: research
Improving Vascular Access Outcomes and Enhancing Practice
This study examined PIVC practice-related metrics before and after a comprehensive process improvement program, which included a change to closed catheter technology. Data were obtained from observations, clinician interviews, and patient records. Metrics included assessment of risk, especially blood exposure and contamination; measurement of insertion efficiency; and quantification of PIVC failure. A significant improvement in most metrics was achieved after the process improvement program. (Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing)
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - November 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Does the Use of an Infusion Pump for Red Blood Cells Increase Hemolysis?
Transfusions of red blood cells (RBCs) are frequently administered for a variety of clinical conditions. The use of an infusion pump has become common practice in nursing. Lack of evidence regarding hemolysis associated with transfusing older RBCs using an infusion pump led one 361-bed acute care suburban medical center to maintain its nursing policy to infuse all blood products by gravity. A combined simulated and clinical study was conducted with 25 units of RBCs. No significant hemolysis was demonstrated as measured by hemolysis index and serum potassium levels. As a result of this study, the nursing policy at the medic...
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - November 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Short Peripheral Catheter Quality and Economics: The Intravenous Quotient
Peripheral intravenous therapy is an established therapy with known complications and failures. The burden of the cost of unsuccessful short peripheral catheter (SPC) placement and maintenance is not always clearly identified. This often-obscured cost of poor quality needs to be defined and addressed. The scope of the problem is defined here, and a metric that can be applied to measure the magnitude of the problem and identify targets for focused improvement initiatives that would improve the quality of infusion therapy using SPCs is proposed. (Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing)
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - November 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Standard Short Peripheral Catheters (SPCs) Versus Power Injectable SPCs During Contrast Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Angiography: A Quality Improvement Study
To perform high-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging angiographies, contrast typically is rapidly injected through a 20-gauge or larger short peripheral catheter (SPC). Intravenous access in infants and children can be challenging, and the use of large-gauge catheters is not always feasible. An institutional review board-approved quality improvement study was undertaken at a 250-bed pediatric hospital on Florida's Gulf Coast that compared the use and outcomes of standard SPCs (nonfenestrated) versus a power injectable SPC (fenestrated with 3 side holes distal to the catheter tip). (Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing)
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - November 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Implementation of Smart Pump Technology With Home Infusion Providers: An Assessment of Clinician Workflow and Patient Satisfaction
While hospitals have adopted smart pump technology (SPT) featuring drug libraries and medication safety software, most home infusion providers (HIPs) continue to use traditional infusion pumps that don't offer drug libraries or medication safety software. As infusion delivery is moving from the hospital to the home, the purpose of this study was to determine whether SPT was a feasible alternative at both a hospital-based and a rural HIP. HIP personnel were trained on an ambulatory infusion pump. Patients requiring home infusion used the pump and recorded daily pump interactions for 5 to 7 days. After the creation of a drug...
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - November 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Let's Take Care of Each Other
No abstract available (Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing)
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - November 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Departments: Editorial Source Type: research
Continuing Education for Nursing Contact Hours and CRNI® Recertification Units
No abstract available (Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing)
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - September 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Departments: Continuing Education Source Type: research
Best Practices in the Management of Central Vascular Access Devices: An Observational Study in Areas With a High Prevalence of Trained Nurses
Since 2009, the Department of Continuing Education at the Orthopedic and Trauma Center Hospital in Turin, Italy, has provided a training course for nurses in the management of central vascular access devices (CVADs). The course focuses on dressing and flushing procedures, as well as compliance with other CVAD guidelines. An observational study was conducted among nurses to determine the level of best practices in areas with a high prevalence of nurses trained in the management of CVADs. A correlation was observed between best practices and having attended the course, but other variables also influenced best practices. (Sou...
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - September 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Perceptions of Infusion Pump Alarms: Insights Gained From Critical Care Nurses
Between 1983 and 2011, equipment-related alarms in critical care have increased from 6 to 40 different alarm types. As nurses become overwhelmed, distracted, or desensitized by alarm noise, they may miss critical alarms that could result in patient harm. The findings of an infusion pump alarm survey indicated that nurses overwhelmingly agree that infusion pump nuisance alarms occur frequently and disrupt patient care. But nurses' perceptions of pump alarms are different from those previously reported for clinical alarms in general. It may not be appropriate to broadly apply general alarm management recommendations to infus...
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - September 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Evaluation of a Magnetic Tracking and Electrocardiogram-based Tip Confirmation System for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Pediatric Patients
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a magnetic tracking and electrocardiogram-based tip confirmation system (TCS) (Sherlock 3CG Tip Confirmation System; Bard, Covington, GA) permits safe and correct placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in the pediatric population. A total of 144 PICCs were placed using the TCS. After excluding participants for various reasons, 112/121 (92.56%) of PICCs were appropriately placed using the TCS. The TCS confirmed tip location an average of 7 to 18 minutes faster than radiographic imaging. There were no complications associated with the insertion of the...
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - September 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
Effects of Thermomechanical Stimulation During Intravenous Catheter Insertion in Adults: A Prospective Randomized Study
This was an open-label, randomized clinical trial comparing the effects of thermomechanical stimulation (Buzzy) versus no intervention in 105 adults undergoing intravenous (IV) catheter insertion before elective orthopedic surgical procedures. A visual analog scale was used to measure pain; satisfaction questionnaires were administered after IV catheter insertion. There was no significant difference in the mean pain score between the experimental (n = 49) and control (n = 56) groups (2.52 vs 2.43, P = .86). Subjects who reported higher preprocedure anxiety benefited most from the test intervention. It was determined that t...
Source: Journal of Infusion Nursing - September 1, 2018 Category: Nursing Tags: Features Source Type: research
