Nursing Week 10 Assignment: QI Project PowerPoint Submission

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Manuel Giovanni Garnique

Denver College of Nursing

Professor: Dr. Sharon Bator

NUR 445 - Capstone

10/20/2023

Preventing Infections Related to Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Devices in Home Care Settings

Introduction:

Working as a nurse in a home care setting, I have observed a concerning increase in infections associated with peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter devices, including PICC lines, central lines, and implanted ports. These infections can have severe consequences, ranging from prolonged hospitalizations to life-threatening complications. In light of this issue, this paper aims to address the need to prevent infections related to peripheral IV catheter devices in home care, particularly focusing on the lack of information from nursing staff and misuse by patients.

Problem Description:

Infections linked to peripheral IV catheters pose a significant concern in home care settings where these devices are frequently employed for long-term intravenous therapies. Such therapies encompass chemotherapy, antibiotics, and parenteral nutrition. The problem is exacerbated by a lack of consistent education and awareness among both nursing staff and patients, stemming from the following critical issues. First, nursing staff in home care settings often lack sufficient training in the insertion, maintenance, and infection prevention associated with peripheral IV catheters, potentially leading to improper techniques and increased infection risk. Second, patients and their caregivers frequently lack essential knowledge regarding catheter care, including identifying infection signs, maintaining hygiene, and recognizing when to seek medical help. This knowledge gap can result in catheter misuse and delayed intervention when complications arise. Lastly, the home care environment introduces unique challenges compared to healthcare facilities, such as limited access to medical supplies, inadequate hygiene, and environmental factors that may elevate the risk of contamination and infection in patients with peripheral IV catheters.

The evidence-based support comprises three key articles. Firstly, "Strategies to Prevent Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in Acute Care Hospitals: 2014 Update" (Buetti et al., 2014) underscores the importance of infection prevention, offering guidelines and recommendations for healthcare professionals regarding central lines, a type of peripheral IV catheter. Secondly, "The Impact of Home Infusion Therapy on Healthcare Costs: An Exploratory Analysis of Six Infusion Therapies" (Hutchinson et al., 2019) explores the financial implications of home infusion therapy, which frequently involves peripheral IV catheters, indicating that reducing catheter-related infections can lead to substantial healthcare cost savings. Lastly, "Enhancing Home Health Care and Patient Safety: The Informatics Base" (Brennan et al., 2019) underscores the role of informatics and technology in improving patient safety in home care settings, emphasizing education for healthcare professionals and patients, as well as using technology for real-time guidance on catheter care and infection prevention.

In addressing peripheral IV catheter infections in home care, we propose a comprehensive approach. This involves standardized training for nursing staff and clear patient education. Additionally, technology integration can offer real-time guidance, while a monitoring and reporting system helps track trends. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for effective infection prevention.

In conclusion, Infections from peripheral IV catheters in home care settings are a significant concern that requires a proactive approach to prevention. This approach should include evidence-based guidelines, enhanced training, patient education, technology integration, and collaboration among stakeholders to reduce infection rates. By addressing this issue, we can enhance patient safety, improve outcomes, and lessen the financial burden on the healthcare system, ensuring that home care patients can access vital therapies without undue complications.

Reference

Brennan, P. F., Downey, J., Brown, C., & Cheng, S. (2019). Enhancing Home Health Care and Patient Safety: The Informatics Base. Journal of Healthcare Information Management, 33(1), 4-10.

Buetti, N., Marschall, J., Drees, M., Fakih, M. G., Hadaway, L., Maragakis, L. L., ... & Mermel, L. A. (2022). Strategies to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections in acute-care hospitals: 2022 Update.  Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology,  43(5), 553-569.

Hutchinson, S., MacVane, C., Wang, J., Waters, H., Roth, D., & Henry, M. (2019). The Impact of Home Infusion Therapy on Healthcare Costs: An Exploratory Analysis of Six Infusion Therapies. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy, 25(6), 675-683.