Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for preventing central venous catheter-related infection: results of a knowledge test among 3405 European intensive care nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To determine European intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' knowledge of guidelines for preventing central venous catheter-related infection from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


METHODS
Multicountry survey (October 2006-March 2007).


METHODS
Twenty-two European countries.


METHODS
ICU nurses.


RESULTS
Using a validated multiple-choice test, knowledge of ten recommendations for central venous catheter-related infection prevention was evaluated (one point per question) and assessed in relation to participants' gender, ICU experience, number of ICU beds, and acquisition of a specialized ICU qualification. We collected 3405 questionnaires (70.9% response rate); mean test score was 44.4%. Fifty-six percent knew that central venous catheters should be replaced on indication only, and 74% knew this also concerns replacement over a guidewire. Replacing pressure transducers and tubing every 4 days, and using coated devices in patients requiring a central venous catheter >5 days in settings with high infection rates only were recognized as recommended by 53% and 31%, respectively. Central venous catheters dressings in general are known to be changed on indication and at least once weekly by 43%, and 26% recognized that both polyurethane and gauze dressings are recommended. Only 14% checked 2% aqueous chlorhexidine as the recommended disinfection solution; 30% knew antibiotic ointments are not recommended because they trigger resistance. Replacing administration sets within 24 hrs after administering lipid emulsions was recognized as recommended by 90%, but only 26% knew sets should be replaced every 96 hrs when administering neither lipid emulsions nor blood products. Professional seniority and number of ICU beds showed to be independently associated with better test scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Opportunities exist to optimize knowledge of central venous catheter-related infection prevention among European ICU nurses. We recommend including central venous catheter-related infection prevention guidelines in educational curricula and continuing refresher education programs.
Labeau
Sonia O
SO
Faculty of Healthcare Vesalius, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium. sonia.labeau@hogent.be
Vandijck
Dominique M
DM
Rello
Jordi
J
Adam
Sheila
S
Rosa
Ana
A
Wenisch
Christoph
C
Bäckman
Carl
C
Agbaht
Kemal
K
Csomos
Akos
A
Seha
Myriam
M
Dimopoulos
George
G
Vandewoude
Koenraad H
KH
Blot
Stijn I
SI
D000368:Aged; D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D009729:Nursing; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States