title: Shower and no-dressing technique for tunneled central venous hemodialysis catheters: a quality improvement initiative.
abstract: Self-care practices and quality-of-life nuances juxtaposed our tunneled hemodialysis central venous catheter (CVC) protocols. Despite our advice, individuals with CVCs were showering. As a quality improvement initiative, we compared the standard CVC dressing practices to the "shower and no-dressing" technique. After 1380 catheter months (n = 119) infection rates were 0.31 events per 1000 catheter days. The "shower and no-dressing" technique appears to be a safe CVC dressing option with improved quality of life, no increase in infection rates, and cost-effectiveness.
authors.forename: Julie Ann
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Seiler
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Harwood
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D062905:Central Venous Catheters; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012648:Self Care