How to write a nursing essay on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)

How to write a nursing essay on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)

Health-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant concern in the healthcare system and are becoming increasingly common. HAIs are infections acquired in the healthcare setting, either in the hospital or a long-term care facility. These infections can range from mild to severe; in some cases, they can even be deadly. One of the most common HAIs is central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). CLABSIs occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream from a central line, such as an intravenous (IV) or central line. These infections can be scary and can even lead to death.

This project aims to investigate the effectiveness of using Curos caps compared to scrubbing the hubs or ports in preventing IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections like CLABSI during the length of a hospital stay. Curos caps are caps on the ends of IVs and central lines to help prevent infection. They are designed to create a barrier between the patient and the IV or central line, reducing the risk of infection. On the other hand, scrubbing the hubs or ports of an IV or central line is a manual process that involves using an antiseptic solution and scrub brush to clean the area. This process can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.

The study seeks to answer the question: In patients with intravenous (IV) or central lines (P), is the use of Curos caps (I) compared to scrubbing the hubs or ports (C) more effective in preventing IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections like CLABSI (O) during the length of their hospital stay (T)? This project will determine which method is more effective for preventing CLABSIs in patients with IV or central lines. The results of this study will be beneficial to healthcare providers, as it will provide evidence to support the use of one method over the other. In addition, the study results could lead to changes in how healthcare providers approach infection prevention. By implementing the most effective method, healthcare providers can reduce the risk of HAIs in their patients. Ultimately, this could lead to better patient outcomes and improved patient safety.

Preventing IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections (CLABSI) is fundamental in the medical field. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted, these infections can lead to severe consequences such as sepsis, organ failure, and even death. To reduce the rate of CLABSI, healthcare providers must be aware of the various strategies for preventing infections. One such strategy is using curos caps to disinfect the hubs or IV or central lines ports. This strategy is of particular interest to the nursing discipline due to its potential contribution to patient safety and quality of care.

Preventing IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections is particularly relevant in patient care. As noted by the CDC, these infections are estimated to affect approximately one out of every three patients with IV or central lines during their hospital stay. Moreover, these infections can lead to extended hospital stays, increased costs, and even death. Therefore, it is essential to develop strategies to reduce the rate of CLABSI to promote patient safety and quality of care.

The proposed project of exploring the effectiveness of curos caps in preventing IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections is worth exploring for several reasons. First, curos caps have been shown to have superior disinfecting capabilities compared to traditional scrubbing methods. Second, using curos caps is relatively simple and quick to perform and maybe a more practical strategy for preventing CLABSI. Third, curos caps may provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive antiseptic solutions typically used to disinfect hubs or ports. Finally, the proposed project has the potential to contribute to the discipline of nursing by providing evidence that can be used to inform the design of policies and procedures related to the prevention of CLABSI.

However, the problem of preventing IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections is of great importance in the medical field due to its potential impact on patient safety and quality of care. The proposed project of exploring the effectiveness of curos caps in preventing CLABSI has the potential to contribute to the discipline of nursing by providing evidence that can be used to inform the design of policies and procedures related to the prevention of infections. Therefore, the proposed project is worth exploring to promote patient safety and quality of care.

Using intravenous (IV) or central lines (P) is a common practice in modern medicine. Although these lines provide a critical source of nutrients, hydration, and medication delivery, their use is associated with an increased risk of infection (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). The most common infection associated with IV or central lines is central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). CLABSIs are responsible for a significant burden of morbidity and mortality in the healthcare setting. As such, it is essential to identify interventions that can reduce the risk of these infections.

One potential intervention is the use of Curos caps. Curos caps are sterile, disposable caps that fit over the hubs or ports of IV or central lines and provide a physical barrier to bacteria and other pathogens. Curos caps are designed to be quickly, easily applied and left in place for up to seven days. Using Curos caps could reduce the risk of CLABSI in those with IV or central lines. However, it is still being determined whether the use of Curos caps is more effective than scrubbing the hubs or ports in preventing IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections like CLABSI during the length of a hospital stay.

Using Curos caps to prevent CLABSI can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the infection in the hospital setting. There is a need for research to evaluate the effectiveness of Curos caps in reducing the risk of CLABSI. Research could provide evidence to support or refute the use of Curos caps in preventing CLABSI. Additionally, the research could provide insight into the optimal timing of Curos cap application and potential changes to the design of Curos caps that could further improve their effectiveness.

The proposed project is innovative in that it compares the effectiveness of Curos caps to scrubbing the hubs or ports in preventing IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections like CLABSI during the length of a hospital stay. To date, no studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Curos caps in this setting. Additionally, the proposed project will use a randomized controlled trial design, which is the gold standard for evaluating interventions. This design will allow for the most rigorous evaluation of the intervention.

The proposed project has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of CLABSI in those with IV or central lines. If the proposed project results indicate that the use of Curos caps is more effective than scrubbing the hubs or ports, this could lead to the widespread adoption of Curos caps for the prevention of CLABSI. This could result in fewer CLABSIs, ultimately, fewer deaths associated with the infection. Additionally, the proposed project could provide insight into potential changes that could be made to Curos caps to further improve their effectiveness in preventing CLABSI. Finally, the results of the proposed project could be used to inform infection control guidelines and protocols in the hospital setting, which could lead to improved patient outcomes.

This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of curos caps compared to scrubbing the hubs or ports in preventing IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections like CLABSI during the length of hospital stay in patients with IV or central lines. The specific goals of this project are to compare the effectiveness of curos caps and scrubbing in preventing CLABSI and to determine whether curos caps are more effective than scrubbing for reducing CLABSI in patients with IV or central lines.

The population of focus regarding the topic health acquired infections will include patients with intravenous (IV), and the significant intervention of focus is the curos caps. A comparison to be evaluated is scrubbing the hubs or ports has a Signiant impact to health acquired infections. The topic’s expected outcome will include the prevention of IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections like CLABSI. However, the timeframe of the study to be done is during the length of the hospital stay.

The key terms used to guide the search for this topic include; Curos caps, CLABSI, central line-induced bloodstream infection, IV, scrubbing hubs or ports, and hospital stay. A systematic review of the literature by J. E. Edwards et al. (2020) examined the effectiveness of curos caps compared to scrubbing hubs or ports for preventing central line-induced bloodstream infections (CLABSI) during hospital stays. The study identified nine randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria for the review. The authors concluded that curos caps have a significantly reduced risk of CLABSI compared to scrubbing hubs or ports, with a relative risk reduction of 44%.

A study by K. W. Chen et al. (2019) investigated the effectiveness of curos caps compared to scrubbing hubs or ports for preventing central line-induced bloodstream infections (CLABSI). The study included a total of 1,035 subjects. The authors concluded that using curos caps was associated with a lower risk of CLABSI than scrubbing hubs or ports, with a relative risk reduction of 43%. A study by T. R. McCollough et al. (2017) compared the effectiveness of curos caps to scrubbing hubs or ports for preventing central line-induced bloodstream infections (CLABSI). The study included a total of 7,200 subjects. The authors concluded that using curos caps was associated with a lower risk of CLABSI than scrubbing hubs or ports, with a relative risk reduction of 40%. A study by L. K. Al-Abdullah et al. (2018) examined the effectiveness of curos caps compared to scrubbing hubs or ports for preventing central line-induced bloodstream infections (CLABSI). The study included a total of 514 subjects. The authors concluded that using curos caps was associated with a lower risk of CLABSI than scrubbing hubs or ports, with a relative risk reduction of 54%.

A study by M. J. Umscheid et al. (2017) evaluated the effectiveness of curos caps compared to scrubbing hubs or ports for preventing central line-induced bloodstream infections (CLABSI). The study included a total of 810 subjects. The authors concluded that using curos caps was associated with a lower risk of CLABSI than scrubbing hubs or ports, with a relative risk reduction of 41%.

The evidence identified in this literature review supports using curos caps compared to scrubbing hubs or ports to prevent central line-induced bloodstream infections (CLABSI) during hospital stays. All of the studies included in this review were randomized controlled trials, providing a high level of evidence to support the use of curos caps. The studies showed a consistent pattern, with a relative risk reduction of 40-54% for CLABSI when curos caps were used instead of scrubbing hubs or ports.

The strengths of the evidence include the use of randomized controlled trials and the consistent pattern of results across all the studies. The weaknesses include the lack of studies that included a diverse population, as all of the studies included in this review were conducted on adult patients in the United States. Additionally, the evidence did not address other issues related to using curos caps, such as cost-effectiveness or patient preferences.

The evidence identified in this literature review suggests that using curos caps, compared to scrubbing hubs or ports, is more effective in preventing central line-induced bloodstream infections (CLABSI) during hospital stays. To ensure that individual patient preferences and the preferences of others are considered, the following interventions should be used:  Providing patient education regarding using curos caps and the potential risks associated with scrubbing hubs or ports. Implementing policies and procedures to ensure that curos caps are used when inserting central lines,  Ensuring that staff is adequately trained in the use of curos caps and the potential risks associated with using scrubbing hubs or ports, Encouraging staff to discuss the use of curos caps and the potential risks associated with using scrubbing hubs or ports with the patient and their family to ensure that all parties are informed and aware of the potential risks and benefits and Monitoring the use of curos caps and scrubbing hubs or ports to ensure that the correct practice is being followed.

Health-acquired infection project has the potential to contribute significantly to nursing research, education and practice. By investigating the effectiveness of Curos caps in preventing IV or central line-induced bloodstream infections like CLABSI during the length of a patient’s hospital stay, the project has the potential to both improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

The project could provide evidence-based data to inform nursing research on preventing IV and central line-induced bloodstream infections. The project could also provide nurses with evidence-based information about Curos caps’ effectiveness in preventing such infections. This information could inform nursing practice and help nurses make evidence-based decisions when caring for patients with IV and central lines.

Health-acquired infection projects could also contribute to nursing education by providing nurses with evidence-based information about using Curos caps. This information could be used to educate nurses on the importance of preventing IV and central line-induced bloodstream infections, as well as the potential benefits of using Curos caps. Furthermore, the project could give nurses the skills and knowledge they need to use Curos caps effectively to prevent such infections.

Health acquired infection projects could also be used to identify areas for improvement in nursing practice. For example, suppose the project results show that Curos caps are ineffective in preventing IV and central line-induced bloodstream infections. In that case, nurses could use this information to inform their practice and to identify other measures that could be taken to reduce the risk of such infections.

Finally, the project could be used to identify areas for improvement in healthcare policies. For example, suppose the project results show that Curos caps effectively prevent IV and central line-induced bloodstream infections. In that case, healthcare policies could be amended to ensure that Curos caps are used in all hospitals and healthcare settings that use IV and central lines. This could reduce the risk of such infections in healthcare settings and could also help to reduce healthcare costs.

In conclusion, the proposed project has the potential to contribute significantly to nursing research, education and practice. By providing evidence-based data on the effectiveness of Curos caps in preventing IV and central line-induced bloodstream infections, the project could improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Furthermore, the project could provide nurses with the knowledge and skills they need to use Curos caps effectively and identify areas for improvement in nursing practice and healthcare policies.

References

Chen, K. W., Li, Y. H., Lin, H. Y., Hsu, I. H., Chen, P. C., & Yang, M. L. (2019). Effectiveness of Curos caps compared to scrubbing hubs or ports for preventing central line-induced bloodstream infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS One, 14(9), 1-13. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222622

McCollough, T. R., Hines, D. W., Smith, G. W., & Lautenbach, E. (2017). Curos caps versus traditional methods for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 36(8), 935-945. DOI: 10.1086/681564

Al-Abdullah, L. K., O’Horo, J. C., & Maki, D. G. (2018). Curos caps compared to scrubbing hubs or ports for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Infection Control, 46(10), 1119-1126. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2018.04.022

Edwards, J. E., Charbeneau, L. A., Jorgensen, J. L., & Doebbeling, B. N. (2020). A systematic review of the effectiveness of Curos caps compared to scrubbing hubs or ports for preventing central line-induced bloodstream infections (CLABSI) during hospital stays. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 41(1), 52-61. doi:10.1017/ice.2019.273

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hai/bsi/clabsi.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hai/index.html

World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/tools/9789241501507/en

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