Abstract
The presence of a central venous catheter (CVC) leads to a high risk of blood infections, which are considered major causes of morbidity, mortality and high medical costs. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of nursing staff working in intensive care units (ICUs) regarding the prevention of central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). A nationwide survey was conducted among ICU nurses from August 2016 to April 2017. A modified Polish version of the questionnaire developed by Labeau et al. was used to assess the nurses’ knowledge. Of the 750 questionnaires distributed, 468 were returned. Women accounted for 95.73% of all respondents, and over 80% were university educated. Most of the nurses surveyed (85.9%) had previously received training in CVC guidelines, and thus over 82% rated their knowledge as good or very good. The guidelines introduced in hospitals were the main declared sources of information. In addition, more than half (68%) of respondents also knew the international guidelines. The knowledge of nursing staff in the study area is not sufficient. Studies show that the guidelines for the prevention of CLABSIs in ICUs should be standardized, and continuous training of personnel in this field should be provided.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 30% of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) acquire healthcare-associated infections, the majority of which are bloodstream infections resulting from the presence of a catheter in the lumen of the veins
Numerous surveys of knowledge on central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) involving both physicians and nurses show that nurses are more knowledgeable in this area [4,6,7,8]
The results indicate that the nurses mainly learned the basic recommendations for CLABSI prevention from written hospital policy (92.09%) and international guidelines
Summary
Educating staff on aseptic care of patients with a central venous catheter (CVC) can reduce the incidences of infection [1,2]. Sources indicate that nurses who receive regular training in the care of patients with a CVC demonstrate better knowledge in this area [3,4]. Nursing staff who improve their qualifications (higher education, courses, specializations) demonstrate better knowledge of vascular-line care and adherence to procedures, which significantly reduces the risk of spreading nosocomial infections [4,5]. Numerous surveys of knowledge on central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) involving both physicians and nurses show that nurses are more knowledgeable in this area [4,6,7,8].
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