Our objective was to describe the practices of PVC handling and assess the implementation of national guidelines for prevention of PVC-related infections in German acute care hospitals, 10 months after their release” Aghdassi et al 92019).
Structured summary:
Background: Due to their frequent use, peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are relevant regarding catheter-related infections and their prevention. In 2017, revised national guidelines for the prevention of PVC-related infections were published in Germany.
Aim: Our objective was to describe the practices of PVC handling and assess the implementation of national guidelines for prevention of PVC-related infections in German acute care hospitals, 10 months after their release.
Methods: An online survey on the management of PVCs in hospital wards was conducted. For this, 1191 acute care hospitals participating in the national surveillance system for healthcare-associated infections in Germany were invited to participate. Each hospital was asked to complete the survey for an intensive care unit (ICU), as well as a medical and surgical ward. Participation in the survey was voluntary.
Findings: Altogether, 701 hospitals (59% response rate) participated and provided data on 1449 wards (599 ICUs, 446 medical wards, 404 surgical wards). Around 43% of wards reported having implemented the new national guidelines where necessary. Structured surveillance for PVC-associated infections was established in only 21% of wards. While 94% of wards reported including aspects of PVC handling in their general infection prevention education, questions on the methods of training yielded diverse results. Around 59% of wards reported not routinely using a combination of alcohol and a remanant disinfectant for skin disinfection before PVC insertion.
Conclusion: Generally, PVC management in Germany is well organized. However, potentials for improvement were identified especially considering surveillance and implementation of selected national guidelines.
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Reference:
Aghdassi, S.J.S., Geffers, C., Behnke, M., Gropmann, A., Gastmeier, P. and Kramer, T.S. (2019) Management of peripheral venous catheters and implementation of guidelines in Germany: a national survey. The Journal of Hospital Infection. December 27th. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2019.12.023. [epub ahead of print].