title: Comparative study of nursing protocols for venous access ports.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of infection in patients having venous access ports (VAP) accessed using commercially prepared kits with patients having VAPs accessed using a nursing protocol developed by RNs in the outpatient chemotherapy unit. The RN-developed protocol allowed venous access devices to be approached without sterile gloves and with minimal equipment, a technique which is more time efficient and cost effective. A convenience sample of 26 outpatients was randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in Group I, accessed using the commercially prepared kits, were accessed a total of 69 times. Patients in Group II, accessed using the nursing protocol, were accessed a total of 102 times. The two groups were compared for occurrence of infection as identified by elevated white blood count (WBC); febrile episode (greater than 100.4 degrees F); or drainage, pain, redness, swelling, or warmth at the port site. Data collected over a period of 6 months indicated no documented infection in either group. Results from this study will be used to support changes in nursing practice.
authors.affiliation: University of South Florida, College of Nursing, Tampa 33612-4799.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ovaska
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000451:nursing*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000592:standards*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research