Vascular access outcomes in patients initiating dialysis with a tunneled catheter
Our aim was to determine factors that influence time to removal of tunneled hemodialysis catheter (THC), probability of repeat vascular access creation, and time to repeat vascular access” Copeland et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Our aim was to determine factors that influence time to removal of tunneled hemodialysis catheter (THC), probability of repeat vascular access […]
Patient positioning tool for central venous access and brachial plexus blocks
Positioning of the patient is an important prerequisite for central venous cannulation (CVC) and to perform the brachial plexus blocks (BPB) in the operation theater” Hooda et al (2019). Abstract: Positioning of the patient is an important prerequisite for central venous cannulation (CVC) and to perform the brachial plexus blocks (BPB) in the operation theater. […]
Complications in internal jugular vs subclavian ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization
Results demonstrated that the complication rates of IJV and SCV catheterizations using US are very low, showing no superiority of the SCV approach compared to the IJV” Shin et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: The use of real-time ultrasound (US) has been shown to reduce complications of central venous (CV) catheterization. However, complication rates have not […]
Use of PICCs in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease
In this sample of hospitalized patients who received PICCs, placement in those with CKD was common and not concordant with clinical guidelines” Paje et al 92019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Existing guidelines, including Choosing Wisely recommendations, endorse avoiding placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency […]
Are infusion sets with precision flow regulators suitable for pediatric anesthesia?
Infusion sets with precision flow regulators are frequently used in children undergoing surgery in order to control the perioperative administration of fluids” Bollinger et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infusion sets with precision flow regulators are frequently used in children undergoing surgery in order to control the perioperative administration of fluids. There are no data about […]
Impact of repeat infection timeframe on CLABSI surveillance
In January 2015, NHSN updated surveillance procedures to include the implementation of the 14-day repeat infection timeframe (RIT), to clarify the definition of resolved versus continued infection” Williams et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mandatory reporting of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) is used as a measure of healthcare […]
Surveillance of World Health Organization’s 5 moments of hand hygiene
Caregivers have been found to have suboptimal HH practices. The World Health Organization (WHO) 5 Moments of HH program was implemented in an acute-care hospital in an effort to increase caregiver participation, renew interest, and raise visibility” Kessler and Powers (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene (HH) is critical to the prevention of serious infections in […]
Safety of ultrasound-guided placement of PICC performed by neurointensivist
We evaluated the safety and feasibility of ultrasound-guided peripherally-inserted central venous catheters (PICC) by a neurointensivist at the bedside compared to fluoroscopy-guided PICC and conventional central venous catheter (CCVC)” Kim et al (2019). Abstract: We evaluated the safety and feasibility of ultrasound-guided peripherally-inserted central venous catheters (PICC) by a neurointensivist at the bedside compared to […]
Blood culture results and antimicrobial stewardship
A protocol was designed to integrate a comprehensive blood culture identification (BCID) test into our antimicrobial stewardship program to determine if we could decrease our broad spectrum antibiotic use” Ezdon and Cahill (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial stewardship aids in reducing the emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) and enhances clinical outcomes through optimization of antimicrobial […]
Intravenous versus subcutaneous trastuzumab administration
Since 2005, when the first patients outside of a clinical trial were treated with trastuzumab at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, a nurse-led service has been developed to facilitate and support a safe treatment pathway for patients” Mitchell and Morrissey (2019). Abstract: Since 2005, when the first patients outside of a clinical trial were treated […]
Vancomycin population pharmacokinetics for adult patients with sepsis
This observational study aims to describe the population pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in adult patients with sepsis or septic shock” Heffernan et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: Vancomycin is commonly used for the management of severe infections; however, vancomycin dosing may be challenging in critically ill patients. This observational study aims to describe the population pharmacokinetics of […]
Colistin methanesulfonate infusion solutions for home administration
The stability of colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) was determined in quadruplicate in elastomeric home infusion pumps containing 1, 2 or 3 MU CMS and in infusion bags with 2 MU CMS all in 100 mL normal saline” Post et al (2018). Abstract: The stability of colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) was determined in quadruplicate in elastomeric home infusion pumps […]
Health-economic comparison of adhesive and subcutaneous engineered VA stabilisation devices
This review found that subcutaneous securement offers both patient and facilities a safe, effective and economical alternative for device securement with patients who are unable to tolerate or have successful securement with adhesive securement devices” McParlan et al (2019). Abstract: The Infusional Services Team at a large cancer centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, performed a […]
Implementation of tunneled versus not tunneled PICC service
Tunneled peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) offer several advantages such as an exit site at the green zone no matter where the puncture point is and a long subcutaneous route, which is considered a shield against infections and provides comfort to the patient” Maria et al (2019). Abstract: Tunneled peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) offer […]
Physical and chemical stability of ceftaroline in an elastomeric infusion device
Our findings support 12 or 24hours continuous elastomeric infusion of ceftaroline-NS admixture, and bulk preparation of elastomeric pumps containing ceftaroline solution in advance” Al Madfai et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Severe infections such as endocarditis and osteomyelitis require long-term treatment with parenteral antibiotics and hence prolonged hospitalisation. Continuous infusion of ceftaroline through elastomeric devices can […]
Skin preparation for prevention of blood culture contamination in children
Our study results suggest that a single application of 70% IPA may be the optimal skin preparation method for obtaining peripheral blood cultures for children in Japan” Yodoshi et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Japan, blood cultures for children are performed by pediatric residents, and povidone-iodine (PI) is the recommended solution for skin preparation. Since […]
Report on vancomycin-induced Kounis Syndrome
Kounis Syndrome is a rare allergic reaction that results in coronary vasospasm and may occur in patients with and without coronary artery disease” Leibee et al (2019). Abstract: Kounis Syndrome is a rare allergic reaction that results in coronary vasospasm and may occur in patients with and without coronary artery disease. A 57-year-old man receiving […]
Patient and informal caregiver performance of OPAT tasks
The objective of this study was to perform a patient-centered goal-directed task analysis to identify what is required for successful completion of OPAT” Keller et al (2019). Abstract: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) requires patients and caregivers to infuse antimicrobials through venous catheters (VCs) in the home. The objective of this study was to perform […]
Power-injectable totally implantable venous access devices
“To retrospectively evaluate the success rates, peri-interventional, early and late complications and patient satisfaction associated with power-injectable totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAPs)” Kunz-Virk and Krüger (2019).
Utilizing technology to provide real-time central line feedback
The MICU reduced the number of CLABSIs by 50%. A consistent, comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to assessing the central lines has allowed the MICU to more effectively assess the central lines” Murphy et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: A multidisciplinary team, including critical care nurses and specialists, critical care intensivist physicians and infection preventionists developed and implemented […]
Knowledge and awareness of Hepatitis B among preclinical year medical students
This study revealed lack of complete knowledge regarding hepatitis B among preclinical year medical students” Sannathimmappa et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis B is an occupational health hazard to health-care workers. The complete knowledge of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission and prevention is indispensable for medical students. This study was conducted to assess […]
Stability of concentrated co-trimoxazole intravenous infusions
Intravenous co-trimoxazole is stable over a period of 4 hours when diluted with 380 mL of glucose 5% solution (1:20 v/v) and for 2 hours when diluted with 280 mL glucose 5% solution (1:15 v/v)” Khaleel et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: High dose of intravenous sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (co-trimoxazole) is often used in immunocompromised patients for the treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci […]
Effect of a systemwide approach to CLABSI reduction
The goal was to decrease CLABSI systemwide by establishing standardized evidence-based practice (EBP) procedures to advance nursing practice” Ferrari and Taylor (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unit-based initiatives were deployed independently creating silos in practice variability across the system with little impact on reduction of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). PROBLEM: The goal was to decrease CLABSI […]
Stability of beta-lactam antibiotics used in continuous infusion
The purpose of this study was to determine the stability of seven antipyocyanic beta-lactam antibiotics and cilastatin under real-life conditions” Curti et al (2019). Abstract: In intensive care, beta-lactams can be reconstituted in 50 mL polypropylene syringes with NaCl 0.9 % and administered for 8 to 12 h at various concentrations with motor-operated syringe pumps. […]
Transition from intravenous to oral antimicrobial therapy
This narrative review summarizes and appraises clinical studies that examined transition from intravenous to oral antimicrobials or compared effectiveness of various oral agents for definitive therapy of uncomplicated and complicated BSI in adults” Al-Hasan and Rac (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The role of oral antimicrobial agents in the management of bloodstream infections (BSI) is currently evolving. […]
Qualitative evaluation study of the Be Involved infusion program
The current qualitative evaluation explored the real-world effectiveness and impact of the Be Involved (Pfizer Canada) home infusion service, from provider, program end-user and needs analysis perspectives” Rossnagel et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: In Canada, patients with haemophilia can receive health care through a limited number of specialized haemophilia treatment centres. Treatment of this X-linked […]
Source of candidemia influences the outcome of infection in patients with solid tumours
Clinical characteristics of candidemia in 114 patients with ST were compared with those of 249 candidemic patients without ST (non-ST)” Orsetti et al (2019). Abstract: Systemic infections due to Candida spp. is common among immunocompromised patients, including those with solid tumors (ST). Clinical characteristics of candidemia in 114 patients with ST were compared with those […]
Process-oriented feedback for ultrasound-guided central venous catheter placement
The proposed approach was applied to analyze a real case of ultrasound-guided Central Venous Catheter placement training” Lira et al (2019). Abstract: Developing high levels of competence in the execution of surgical procedures through training is a key factor for obtaining good clinical results in healthcare. To improve the effectiveness of the training, it is […]
How to time tape intravenous infusion bags?
In emergency situations such as these, nurses have the option of using traditional time taping to ensure patient safety while administering prescribed infusion therapy” Smith (2019). Abstract: Imagine a patient needs to receive an I.V. infusion, but you suspect the electronic infusion device (EID) may have failed and want an alternative method of verifying delivery […]
Example of time taping intravenous infusion bags
The provider wants this fluid to infuse over the next 8 hours. How will the nurse complete the needed calculations and time taping” Anon (2019). Extract: “CONSIDER THIS SCENARIO: A nurse working in a rural long-term care facility needs to complete a time tape for a patient needing basic rehydration. A 1,000 mL I.V. bag […]