Tissue plasminogen activator vs heparin for locking central venous catheters
In this study, catheter malfunction rates using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) vs heparin for locking CVC between apheresis procedures were compared” Mathur et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVCs) for apheresis procedures require regular locking/flushes to maintain adequate flow rates. Literature comparing locking solutions for apheresis, where the time interval between procedures […]
Simulation case involves a child with hypovolemic shock who requires IO needle placement
Interns need to be able to recognize critical illness such as hypovolemic shock, obtain access, and manage complications. This simulation case involves a child with hypovolemic shock who requires intraosseous (IO) needle placement” Rideout and Raszka (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Volume depletion is a common problem in pediatrics. Interns need to be able to recognize critical […]
Efficacy of educational interventions and port protectors on CLABSI
We evaluated efficacy of educational interventions on rate of CLABSIs and effects of port protector as adjuvant tool” Inchingolo et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central Line-Associated BloodStream Infections (CLABSIs) are emerging challenge in Respiratory semi-Intensive Care Units (RICUs). We evaluated efficacy of educational interventions on rate of CLABSIs and effects of port protector as adjuvant […]
Modified glove use for dry contact procedures
We trailed the removal of gloves for contact precautions for contacts not expected to involve body fluids to improve hand hygiene between multiple contacts of the patient and patient zone” Jain et al 92019). Abstract: Background: Patients colonized or infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus are placed under contact precautions. Contact precautions […]
Evidence-based practice regarding pediatric central venous catheters
This article highlights the key considerations, pitfalls and evidence-based practices regarding the use pediatric central venous catheters” Jamshidi (2019). Abstract: Central venous catheters (CVC) are commonplace in the management of critically ill patients and serve a variety of purposes. Venous access is important for the administration of fluid and medications as well as blood procurement […]
Infective endocarditis in chronic hemodialysis patients
Patients requiring chronic dialysis are at increased risk for a severe complication such as Infective Endocarditis (IE)” Spaleniak et al (2019). Abstract: Patients requiring chronic dialysis are at increased risk for a severe complication such as Infective Endocarditis (IE). Infections, immediately after cardiovascular diseases, are the second leading cause of deaths in this group of […]
Strategies to avoid intraoperative blood transfusion
This article addresses the current evidence base for correction of preoperative anaemia, normalization of iatrogenic and pathological coagulopathy, intraoperative strategies for optimal blood product usage and management of postoperative anaemia” Swift et al (2019). Abstract: Anaemia and blood transfusion are risk factors in the perioperative setting. Effective management begins preoperatively and should be individualized. This […]
Smart IV pump link to auto-documentation of infusion-therapy services
Smart pump-electronic health record (EHR) interoperability has been demonstrated to reduce adverse events and increase documentation and billing accuracy. However, relatively little is known about the impact of interoperability on infusion therapy billing claims and hospital finances” Suess et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Smart pump-electronic health record (EHR) interoperability has been demonstrated to reduce adverse […]
High-alert medication administration and intravenous smart pumps
These findings indicate that the majority of alerts generated are bypassed by clinicians at the point of care, a symptom of alert fatigue” Marwitz et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) describes high alert medications (HAM) as medications that represent a heightened risk of patient harm when used in error. […]
Review of deep vein thrombosis in upper extremities
The prevalence of patients with DVT in upper extremities was 3.0% in the current large-scale real-world registry” Yamashita et al (2019).iv6 Abstract: INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of data on patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in upper extremities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The COMMAND VTE Registry is a retrospective multicenter registry enrolling 3027 consecutive patients […]
Parenteral nutrition and oxidant stress in the newborn
There is strong evidence that oxidant molecules from various sources contaminate solutions of parenteral nutrition following interactions between the mixture of nutrients and some of the environmental conditions encountered in clinical practice” Lavoie and Chessex (2019). Abstract: There is strong evidence that oxidant molecules from various sources contaminate solutions of parenteral nutrition following interactions between […]
Nutritional and post-transplantation outcomes of enteral versus parenteral nutrition
This has traditionally been provided via parenteral nutrition (PN), but pediatric evidence is increasingly advocating enteral nutrition (EN) as a preferential alternative” Evans et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves the administration of chemotherapy followed by the infusion of donor stem cells. After treatment, children can consequently experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, […]
Relationships to central venous catheters and cardiac implantable devices
The appropriate vascular access for hemodialysis in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) is undefined. We describe two cases of end-stage renal disease patients with CIED and tunneled central venous catheter (CVC) who developed venous cava stenosis” Pacilio et al (2019). Abstract: The appropriate vascular access for hemodialysis in patients with cardiac implantable electronic […]
Mobile device application to reduce medication errors and time to drug delivery
We developed a mobile device application (app) as a step-by-step guide for the preparation to delivery of drugs requiring continuous infusion. The app has been previously tested during simulation-based resuscitations in a previous single-centre trial. In this trial, our aim was to assess this app in various hospital settings” Siebert et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: […]
Pre-hospital plasma in haemorrhagic shock management
Pre-hospital plasma infusion seems to reduce 24-h mortality in haemorrhagic shock patients” Coccolini ey al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Trauma-induced coagulopathy is one of the most difficult issues to manage in severely injured patients. The plasma efficacy in treating haemorrhagic-shocked patients is well known. The debated issue is the timing at which it should be administered. […]
Balanced crystalloids versus normal saline for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients
Among critically ill patients receiving crystalloid fluid therapy, use of a balanced crystalloid compared with normal saline did not reduce the mortality, risk of severe AKI or RRT use rate” Liu et al 92019). Abstract: Introduction: Fluid resuscitation is a fundamental component of the management of critically ill patients, but whether choice of crystalloid affects […]
CLABSI with or without MBI-LCBI subcategory classification
The healthcare-associated infection classification system is complex. Primary bloodstream infections (BSI) in patients with a central venous catheter (CVC) are defined as a laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (i.e., CLABSI) with or without the MBI-LCBI subcategory classification” Dandoy and Alonso (2019). Extract: “The healthcare-associated infection classification system is complex. Primary bloodstream infections (BSI) in patients with a […]
A peripheral and central venous catheter infection prevention knowledge and attitudes scale
The Peripheral and Central Venous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Prevention Knowledge and Attitudes Scale could be used for infection prevention in the assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of nurses with a view of preventing infections’ Bakan and Arli (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Because of the necessities of modern medicine, intravenous catheters are frequently used for patients […]
Providing parenteral nutrition at home has significant challenges
Providing parenteral nutrition at home has significant challenges for both patients and providers alike. Some of these challenges are systemic and are secondary to the way the healthcare system is designed to deliver care” Koenen et al (2019). Abstract: Providing parenteral nutrition at home has significant challenges for both patients and providers alike. Some of […]
Dialysis catheter inadvertently perforated the left innominate vein
We report a case where during the placement of the dialysis catheter, it inadvertently perforated the left innominate vein. A potential disaster was prevented by deploying a covered stent over the site” Singh (2019). Abstract: Hemodialysis remains the most common mode of renal replacement therapy in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It requires an […]
Standardised concentrations of morphine infusions for nurse/patient-controlled analgesia use in children
A system using pre-prepared standardized concentrations of morphine for paediatric N/PCA was implemented successfully and sustainably” Rashed et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Standardizing concentrations of intravenous infusions enables pre-preparation and is effective in improving patient safety by avoiding large deviations from the prescribed concentration that can occur when infusions are made individually in wards and […]
Central line-associated bloodstream infection among children listed for liver transplantation
There is substantial risk for CLABSI among children with BA listed for liver transplantation. No clinical, demographic, or laboratory factor we tested emerged as an independent predictor of CLABSI” Triggs et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pre-transplant nutrition is a key driver of outcomes following liver transplantation in children. Patients with biliary atresia (BA) may have […]
Effect of a non-talking rule on the sound level in an outpatient infusion center
The aim of this naturally-occurring field experiment was to assess the influence of a non-talking rule on the actual sound level and perception of patients in an outpatient infusion center” Zijlstra et al (2019). Abstract: Noise is a common problem in hospitals, and it is known that social behavior can influence sound levels. The aim […]
How to prevent readmissions through OPAT clinics?
These results can inform potential interventions to prevent readmissions through OPAT clinic follow-up and to further assess factors associated with successful care transitions from the inpatient to outpatient setting” Palms and Jacob (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programs allow patients to receive intravenous treatment in the outpatient setting. We developed a predictive […]
Refugee dialysis is a worldwide growing dilemma with limited experience
This study with the largest number of Syrian refugees undergoing maintenance hemodialysis showed good dialysis practices, acceptable values for dialysis adequacy and biochemical parameters along with lower mortality compared to native HD population of Turkey” Gursu et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND/AIMS: Refugee dialysis is a worldwide growing dilemma with limited experience. This report presents the […]
Health care workers’ attitudes towards hand hygiene monitoring technology
Automated Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-based hand hygiene monitoring technology has been implemented in an infectious disease department to study healthcare workers’ (HCWs) practices and improve hand hygiene” Tarantini et al 92019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Automated Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-based hand hygiene monitoring technology has been implemented in an infectious disease department to study healthcare workers’ (HCWs) practices and […]
Short peripheral IV catheter performance and clinical indication removal
A bundled approach was taken, focusing on insertion as well as care and maintenance needs. Consistent outcomes included at least 20% of catheters remaining functional more than 7 days and 35% more than 5 days.” DeVries and Strimbu (2019). Abstract: Two years following the adoption of clinical indication policies for short peripheral catheters (SPCs), a […]
Understanding the economic impact of health care-associated infections
This article describes an alternative hospital accounting framework outlining the cost of a quality model which can better incorporate the broader societal cost of HAIs into the provider perspective” Scott et al (2019). Abstract: The economic impacts from preventing health care-associated infections (HAIs) can differ for patients, health care providers, third-party payers, and all of […]
Enhancing infusion nursing knowledge of standard precautions
This article presents findings from developing and testing standard precaution case scenarios to enhance nursing knowledge” Hessels and Weaver (2019). Abstract: Standard precautions are a recommended set of actions health care workers should take to prevent health care-associated infections and potentially infectious exposures. However, they are not reliably practiced, many opportunities are missed, and a […]
Infusion nurse’s role in antibiotic stewardship
From hospital to home settings, the breadth of infusion nurse practice positions them to take principal roles in antibiotic stewardship program development across the continuum of care” morgan (2019). Abstract: Since the introduction of the first antibiotic, the quick development of resistance has threatened the efficacy of such medications. Improving antibiotic use is, above all, […]