title: Idle central venous catheter-days pose infection risk for patients after discharge from intensive care.
abstract: This prospective observational study measured idle central venous catheter (CVC)-days (no medical indication), and ward clinicians' adherence to evidence-based practices for preventing short-term central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). In 340 patients discharged from ICU over a 1-year period, 208 of 794 CVC-days (26.2%) were idle. Interventions to prevent CLABSIs were poorly implemented. Ward clinicians need education regarding risk management strategies to prevent CLABSIs, and clear accountability processes for prompt catheter removal are recommended.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: gabby.burdeu@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Gabrielle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Burdeu
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Currey
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Care, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pilcher
mesh_terms: D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D062905:Central Venous Catheters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D018805:Sepsis / Q000453:epidemiology*
keywords: Catheter-related infection; Evidence-based practice; Idle days; Sepsis