Central venous access devices site care practices: an international survey of 34 countries.
OBJECTIVE
Effective postinsertion management of central venous access devices (CVADs) is important to prevent CVAD-associated complications, including catheter-associated bloodstream infections. Although there is a wealth of evidence-based guidelines available to guide the care of CVADs, applying their recommendations to the clinical setting across variable patient groups, CVAD types and international healthcare settings is challenging. This may result in patients receiving suboptimal care.


METHODS
A cross-sectional descriptive study using an online survey was performed with an aim to determine current CVAD site care practices internationally. The CVAD site care domains included skin antisepsis, dressing selection, frequency of dressing change and device securement practices across impaired and unimpaired CVAD sites.


RESULTS
Clinicians (n = 1044) residing in 34 countries reported diversity in their practice, with the majority of respondents practicing as nurses (89%) from North America (81%) as vascular access specialists (52%). The respondents' reported practice was variant, with differing inconsistency to guidelines throughout each of the domains. There was wide variance in the management of CVAD sites with impaired skin integrity, such as rash, skin stripping/adhesive-related injuries and drainage. Vascular access clinicians reported high levels of confidence in managing CVAD sites, including those with impaired skin.


CONCLUSIONS
These inconsistencies are reflective of the complex and heterogeneous populations requiring CVADs, the evidence available to support practice in this area, the skills and knowledge of the clinicians caring for them and the resources of the healthcare setting. Further research and education is necessary to ensure that CVAD site care is undertaken effectively to minimise preventable complications.
Medical Pharmacies, Ottawa, Ontario - Canada.
Daphne
D
Broadhurst
PICC Excellence, Inc., Hartwell, Georgia - USA.|School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Queensland - Australia.
Nancy
N
Moureau
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Queensland - Australia.|NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Centre for Health Practice Innovation, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith -University, Nathan Campus, Queensland - Australia.
Amanda J
AJ
Ullman
D000985:Antisepsis; D001458:Bandages; D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D062905:Central Venous Catheters / Q000009:adverse effects; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000639:trends; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends*; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology