Comparative study of nursing protocols for venous access ports.
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.
Long
M C
MC
University of South Florida, College of Nursing, Tampa 33612-4799.
Ovaska
M
M
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