Validation of a Clinical Scale for Early Detection of Infections at the Exit Site of Central Venous Catheters for Hemodialysis.

Introduction: Exit-site infections (ESI) of central venous catheters for hemodialysis (CVC-HD) has been associated with early catheter removal and an increased risk of CVC-HD related bacteremia. No specific clinical scales to predict ESI have previously been validated. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study was performed to validate the proposed scale, which is based on the following 5 signs and symptoms: (i) pain at exit site during interdialytic period; (ii) hyperemia or erythema ≥2 cm from exit site; (iii) inflammation, induration, or swelling at exit site; (iv) fever ≥38 °C not attributable to other causes, and (v) obvious abscess or purulent exudate at the exit site. Adult patients with a tunneled CVC-HD for at least 1 month after insertion has been included. During each hemodialysis session, the exit site was assessed with the proposed scale by nurses. If any item was present, a pericatheter skin swab culture was collected: positive results were gold standard. The scale was validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression analysis. For this purpose, the logit function was applied, and the ESI probability calculated, as elogit ESI/1 + elogit ESI. Results: Three hundred thirty-seven CVC-HDs from 310 patients were analyzed, producing 515 cultures (117 infected and 398 healthy). The final version of the scale includes the following 3 signs and symptoms, which present the greatest predictive capacity: (i) pain at exit site during interdialytic period, (ii) hyperemia or erythema ≥2 cm from exit site, and (iii) abscess or purulent exudate at the exit site. The final version generated an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 88.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.2%-91%; P < 0.001), Youden index 0.7557 ≈ 1, sensitivity 80.34% (95% CI: 71.36%-87.71%) and specificity 95.23% (95% CI: 92.73%-97%). Conclusions: The validation shows that the scale has good predictive properties, detecting approximately 90% of ESI with very acceptable validity parameters.

Definition and clinical management of haemodialysis central venous catheter local infections (exit site and tunnel infection): An international consensus assessment.

AIM: To evaluate the relevance of signs and symptoms for the clinical identification of ESI and TI in HD-CVC, by means of international expert consensus, and to reach a consensus on a definition and clinical management (CM) for these infections. BACKGROUND: A recent systematic review showed a high heterogeneity in the signs/symptoms used for determining exit site infection (ESI) and tunnel infection (TI) of haemodialysis central venous catheter (HD-CVC). DESIGN: A modified Delphi ranking process was carried out between November 2020 and March 2021, consisting of four rounds using an online questionnaire with a panel of 26 experts from 12 countries. METHODS: Experts responded on the level of relevance for the identification of ESI and TI, based on a list of 22 signs/symptoms obtained from a previous systematic review, using a 4-point Likert-type scale. After reaching consensus on the signs/symptoms, they followed the same method to reach consensus on the CM. The STROBE Checklist was used to report this study. RESULTS: A high degree of consensus was reached to identify the presence of ESI based on nine signs/symptoms: presence of pain at the exit site (ES) during interdialysis period, with fever ≥38°C do not suspect other cause, local signs at the ES (inflammation, induration, swelling, hyperemia/erythema ≥2 cm from ES) and obvious abscess or purulent exudate at ES; and of TI. Likewise, 5 cm were agreed upon. CONCLUSION: This Delphi study provides international expert consensus definitions of ESI and TI in HD-CVC, laying the groundwork for the validation of an HD-CVC ES clinical assessment scale for early identification of ESI. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In addition, this study provides a series of attitudes to consensual clinics regarding signs/symptoms of local infections in HD-CVC, which may be useful as expert opinion in clinical practice guidelines, when there is insufficient scientific evidence.

Interventions to reduce peripheral intravenous catheter failure: An international e-Delphi consensus on relevance and feasibility of implementation.

BACKGROUND: Around 1 billion peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) fail annually worldwide before prescribed intravenous therapy is completed, resulting in avoidable complications, dissatisfaction, and avoidable costs surging to ∼€4bn. We aimed to provide an international consensus on relevance and feasibility of clinical practice guideline recommendations to reduce PIVC failure. METHODS: e-Delphi study with three rounds through an online questionnaire from March-September 2020 recruiting a multispecialty panel formed by clinicians, managers, academic researchers, and experts in implementation from seven developed and three developing countries, reflecting on experience in PIVC care and implementation of evidence. Further, we included a panel of chronic patients with previous experience in the insert, maintenance, and management of PIVC and intravenous therapy from Ireland and Spain as public and patient involvement (PPI) panel. All experts and patients scored each item on a 4-point Likert scale to assess the relevance and feasibility. We considered consensus descriptor in which the median was 4 with less than or equal to 1,5 interquartile intervals. FINDINGS: Over 90% participants (16 experts) completed the questionnaire on all rounds and 100% PPI (5 patients) completed round 1 due to high consensus they achieved. Our Delphi approach included 49 descriptors, which resulted in an agreed 30 across six domains emerged from the related to (i) general asepsis and cutaneous antisepsis (n = 4), (ii) catheter adequacy and insertion (n = 3), (iii) catheter and catheter site care (n = 6), (iv) catheter removal and replacement strategies (n = 4), (v) general principles for catheter management (n = 10), and (vi) organisational environment (n = 3). CONCLUSION: We provide an international consensus of relevant recommendations for PIVC, deemed feasible to implement in clinical settings. In addition, this methodological approach included substantial representation from clinical experts, academic experts, patient and public expertise, mitigating uncertainty during the implementation process with high-value recommendations to prevent PIVC failure based contextual and individual features, and economic resources worldwide.

Early identification of local infections in central venous catheters for hemodialysis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The use of central venous catheters (CVC) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, related to infectious complications, contributing to poorer clinical outcomes and increased healthcare costs. According to the literature, the incidence of local infections related to CVC for hemodialysis is highly variable. This variability is related to differences in definitions of catheter-related infections. OBJECTIVE: To identify signs and symptoms for determining local infections (exit site and tunnel tract infections) used in the literature in tunnelled and nontunnelled CVC for hemodialysis. DESIGN: Systematic review METHODS: Structured electronic searches were conducted in five electronic databases, from 1 January 2000-31 August 2022, using key words and specific vocabulary, as well as manual searches in several journals. Additionally, vascular access clinical guidelines and infection control clinical guidelines were reviewed. RESULTS: After validity analysis, we selected 40 studies and seven clinical guidelines. The definitions of exit site infection and tunnel infection used in the different studies were heterogeneous. Among the studies, seven (17,5 %) used the definitions of exit site and tunnel infection based on a clinical practice guideline. Three of the studies (7.5 %) used the Twardowski scale definition of exit site infection or a modification. The remaining 30 studies (75 %) used different combinations of signs and symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Definitions of local CVC infections are highly heterogeneous in the revised literature. It is necessary to establish a consensus regarding the definitions of hemodialysis CVC exit site and tunnel infections. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42022351097).

Impact of advanced practice nurses in hospital units on compliance with clinical practice guidelines: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Incorporating the best available evidence into clinical practice is a determining challenge for healthcare professionals and organisations. The role of advanced practice nurses is viewed as a facilitator to adapt guideline recommendations to suit specific contexts and to overcome barriers to implementation. In this study, we evaluate the impact of advanced practice nurses on clinical indicators of hospitalised patients and on adherence to recommendations derived from two clinical practice guidelines (pressure ulcer prevention and treatment and vascular access device management). METHODS: Quasi-experimental study in five intervention (IU) and five control (CU) hospital units at three hospitals in Spain (period 2018-19). Five advanced practice nurses were incorporated into IU, with the intention that would produce attitudinal changes and enhance the skills and knowledge of the nursing team regarding 18 clinical practice recommendations. In this study, 41 indicators were evaluated through direct observation of all patients admitted, at monthly intervals for 1 year. Outcomes were assessed by means of a descriptive, multi-line regression and association analysis. RESULTS: The study population was composed of 3742 inpatients admitted for pressure ulcer assessment and 2631 fitted with vascular access devices. By the end of the study period, all variables had improved in the IU, where average compliance with recommendations was statistically significantly higher (pressure ulcer guidance 7.9 ± 1.9 vs 6.0 ± 1.7. OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.67-2.05; vascular access devices guidance 5.4 ± 1.4 vs 4.4 ± 1,6. OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.95-1.17). The prevalence of pressure lesions and catheter-related adverse events decreased statistically significantly in the IU compared to the CU. The prevalence of pressure ulcers decreases (5.7% in IU vs 8.7% in CU p < 0.005) as well as the prevalence of adverse events related to the catheter (14% In IU vs 21.6% in CU p < 0.005). The unnecessary catheters decressed in IU 10.9% VS CU 15.8% (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of an advanced practice nurse statistically significantly improves clinical indicators related to the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers and to the management of vascular access devices. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN18259923 retrospectively registered on 11/02/2022.

What fuels suboptimal care of peripheral intravenous catheter-related infections in hospitals? A qualitative study of decision-making among Spanish nurses.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) are commonly used in hospital worldwide. However, PIVC are not exempt from complications. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) increase morbidity and mortality rates, and costs for the healthcare organization. PIVC care is shaped by the complex mix of professional and organizational culture, such as knowledge gaps, low perception of impact of PIVCs on patient safety, or lack of hospital guidelines. AIM: To explore determinants of decision-making about the prevention of PIVC-BSI among nurses in Spanish hospitals. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with semi-structured interviews in three public hospitals, the Balearic Islands Health Care Service in Spain. We considered hospital ward nurses working routinely with inpatients at any of the three hospitals for enrolment in the study. We approached relevant informants to identify suitable participants who recruited other participants through a 'snowball' technique. Fourteen inpatient nurses from the hospital took part in this study between September and November 2018. We employed several triangulation strategies to underpin the methodological rigour of our analysis and conducted the member checking, showing the information and codes applied in the recording of the interviews to identify the coherence and any discrepancies of the discourse by participants. We used the COREQ checklist for this study. FINDINGS: We identified four major themes in the analysis related to determinants of care: The fog of decision-making in PIVC; The taskification of PIVC care; PIVC care is accepted to be suboptimal, yet irrelevant; and chasms between perceived determinants of poor PIVC care and its solutions. CONCLUSION: The clinical management of PIVCs appear ambiguous, unclear, and fragmented, with no clear professional responsibility and no nurse leadership, causing a gap in preventing infections. Furthermore, the perception of low risk on PIVC care impact can cause a relevant lack of adherence to the best evidence and patient safety. Implementing facilitation strategies could improve the fidelity of the best available evidence regarding PIVC care and raise awareness among nurses of impact that excellence of care.

Physiotherapists' Evidence-Based Practice profiles by HS-EBP questionnaire in Spain: A cross-sectional normative study.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is a cost-effective approach for improving the quality of clinical care and implementing only well-tested evidence. Health professions, especially physiotherapy, must embrace EBP principles. This paper presents normative data from the Spanish physiotherapist population using the Health-Sciences Evidence-Based Practice questionnaire and explores EBP clusters/profiles of professionals in practice. An intentional sample of 419 practicing physiotherapists was recruited from the Spanish Professional Council of Physiotherapy. Participants completed a cross-sectional online survey with 60 Likert items (scale 1-10) measuring 5 dimensions: 1) Beliefs and attitudes, 2) Results from literature, 3) Professional practice, 4) Assessment of results, and 5) Barriers and Facilitators. The protocol also included sociodemographic, training, and practice-related contrast variables. Normative data were estimated and tabulated for each dimension and then a K-means clustering procedure was implemented using the contrast variables. Results for normative data showed, in descending order, the following 50th percentile values for the five EBP factors: Beliefs and attitudes (8.25), Professional practice (8.00), Assessment of results (7.42), Results from literature (6.71), and EBP Barriers and Facilitators (5.17); all expressed on a scale of 1 to 10. Academic degree, EBP training level, and work time shared in healthcare activity, research, or teaching activity were all statistically significant for discriminating EBP dimension scores. Finally, six different clusters showed that when EBP level is low, the scores in all dimensions are equally low, and vice-versa. The EBP dimensions "Beliefs and attitudes", "Professional practice", and "Evaluation of results" obtained better normative scores overall than "Search for bibliographic evidence and its inclusion in practice" and especially "Perception of EBP barriers", which had the worst score. Normative data are useful for comparing individual scores and the reference population, and information about clusters will enable appropriate global EBP intervention programs to be designed and implemented.

Validity of a catheter exit site clinical assessment scale for the early detection of exit site infections in patients on haemodialysis with a central venous catheter: protocol for a multicentre validation study in Spain (EXITA Study).

INTRODUCTION: Haemodialysis patients with central venous catheter (HD-CVC) are at increased risk of exit site infections (ESIs) and catheter-related bloodstream infections, causing an increase of hospitalisation, morbidity and mortality rates. The main aim of the EXITA Study is to develop and validate an instrument for the early detection of HD-CVC ESIs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: EXITA is a multicentre prospective cohort study to validate the proposed instrument with a sample of 457 HD-CVCs: 92 in the ESI group and 365 in the non-ESI group. Sample size was calculated using Epidat V.4.2 software, with 95% and 90% expected sensitivity and specificity, respectively, an ESI incidence around 20% and 5%-10% precision range. During each haemodialysis session, the absence or presence of each item will be assessed by nurses. If any item is present, a microbiological study of pericatheter skin smears and/or exit site exudate will be carried out. HD-CVC ESI will be diagnosed when the pericatheter skin smears and/or exit site exudate culture are positive (≥15 CFU/mL by semiquantitative Maki's technique or ≥1000 CFU/mL by Cleri's technique). To validate the scale, a logistic regression analysis will be performed: the ß coefficients of each of the signs/symptoms of the scale to be validated will be estimated. We will use logit function and calculate ESI probability=elogit ESI/1+elogit ESI. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee with Medical Products of Cantabria (approval code 2019.146). We will obtain informed consent from all participants before data collection. We will publish the study results in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Metabolic Syndrome by Age and Gender in a Spanish Working Population.

Lower socio-economic status (SES) is significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) prevalence, possibly affecting women more than men, although evidence in Spain is still limited. The present cross-sectional study analyzed the association between MS and SES by age and gender among 42,146 working adults living in the Balearic Islands (Spain). Prevalence was higher in men (9.4% by ATP-III; 12.3% by IDF) than women (3.8% by ATP-III; 5.7% by IDF) and in the lower social class (7.9% by ATP-III; 10.7% by IDF) than the higher (4.1% by ATP-III; 5.9% by IDF). The SES gradient in MS prevalence was larger in women (PR 95% CI: 3.38, 2.50-4.58 by ATP-III; 3.06, 2.43-3.86 by IDF) than in men (1.23, 1.06-1.41 by ATP-III; 1.15, 1.03-1.30 by IDF) and was already evident from early adulthood, reaching the highest ratio at the late stages of middle adulthood (4.34, 1.11-16.98). Among men, it was significant during the late stages of early adulthood only (1.80, 1.19-2.73). Lower SES influenced MS prevalence in both genders, however, women seemed more affected than men. From a public health perspective, SES could be strongly associated with the burden of MS; in an effort to reduce its prevalence, public health policies should focus on gender differences in socio-economic inequality and consider women with low socio-economic resources as a priority.

Study of the use of a personalized peripheral sealing device on surgical face masks in high-risk situations against COVID-19.

A significant number of health care professionals subjected to high-risk situations have been infected by Covid-19 due to the lack of adequate protection equipment or the deficient safety margins that these present. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a personal peripheral sealing device (PSD) on surgical face masks (SM) allows them to achieve double mask properties, by providing two-way protection to professionals or users. The proposed device is a thermoplastic resin ring composed of a reusable and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) designed to be used in a healthcare setting. Since it is a thermoplastic device, it can be molded and adapted to each individual, becoming personalized and ensuring a correct adjustment to the user's face. First, a qualitative fit test was performed using a saccharin solution (SS) to evaluate respiratory protective equipment in recruited professionals exposed to high-risk situations of infection by Covid-19. Individuals were divided into an intervention group, who used SM with the PSD, and a control group, who used SM without the PSD. In addition, a quantitative inward air leakage fit test was performed using a 2% sodium chloride (NaCl) aerosol in a sealed cabinet with probes sensitive to this substance, in order to validate the SM with the PSD as a Face Filtering Mask (FFP). Only 5% of the individuals who performed the qualitative fit test with the PSD perceived the sweet taste of the SS, while 100% of the individuals who performed the test without the PSD sensed it (p = 0.0001). In the quantitative fit test, the percentage of air leakage of 2% NaCl aerosol into the SM with the PSD was 6.5%, achieving the same range of air leakage as a FFP mask. Thus, the use of a personalized PLA thermoplastic PSD, together with an inexpensive and widely available SM, could have a significant impact in terms of preventive safety by providing bi-directional protection to its user.

Multimodal intervention for preventing peripheral intravenous catheter failure in adults (PREBACP): a multicentre, cluster-randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: 2 billion peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) are inserted into inpatients worldwide each year. Almost one in two PIVCs fail before completion of intravenous therapy. We aimed to determine the efficacy and costs of a multimodal intervention to reduce PIVC failure among hospitalised patients. METHODS: PREBACP was a cluster-randomised, controlled trial done at seven public hospitals in Spain. Clusters (hospital wards) had at least 70% permanent staff and data were collected from patients aged 18 years and older with one or more PIVCs at the start of intravenous therapy. Clusters were randomly assigned (1:1) to the multimodal intervention or control group using a centralised, web-based randomisation software, and stratified by type of setting. We concealed randomisation to allocation, without masking patients or professionals to the intervention. An intervention using a multimodal model and dissemination of protocols, education for health-care professionals and patients, and feedback on performance was implemented for 12 months in the intervention group. The control group received usual care. The primary outcome was all-cause PIVC failure at 12 months (phlebitis, extravasation, obstruction, or infections). Subsequently, through an amendment to the protocol approved on July 25, 2021, we included dislodgement as part of PIVC failure. Analysis was by modified intention to treat, which included all randomly assigned hospital wards for whom data on the primary endpoint were available. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN10438530. FINDINGS: Between Jan 1, 2019, and March 1, 2020, we randomly assigned 22 eligible clusters to receive the multimodal intervention (n=11 clusters; 2196 patients, 2235 PIVCs, and 131 nurses) or usual practice in the control group (n=11 clusters; 2282 patients, 2330 PIVCs, and 138 nurses). At 12 months, the proportion of PIVC failures was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (37·10% [SD 1·32], HR 0·81 [95% CI 0·72 to 0·92] vs 46·49% [2·59], HR 1·23 [1·04 to 1·39]; mean difference -9·39% [95% CI -11·22 to -7·57]; p<0·0001). Per-protocol-prespecified analysis of the primary outcome excluding dislodgement also showed the intervention significantly reduced PIVC failure compared with the control group at 12 months (33·47% [SD 2·98], HR 0·85 [95% CI 0·75 to 0·96] vs 41·06% [4·62], HR 1·18 [1·04 to 1·33]; mean difference -7·59% [95% CI -11·05 to -4·13]; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: A multimodal intervention reduced PIVC failure, thereby reducing potentially serious complications for hospitalised patients. The findings of PREBACP enabled a deeper understanding of decision making, knowledge mobilisation, and sense making in routine clinical practice. FUNDING: The College of Nurses of the Balearic Islands. TRANSLATION: For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Nutrition screening tools for risk of malnutrition among hospitalized patients: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a clinical problem with a high prevalence in hospitalized adult patients. Many nutritional screening tools have been developed but there is no consensus on which 1 is more useful. The purpose of this review protocol is to provide an overview of which nutritional screening tool is most valid to identify malnutritional risk in hospitalized adult patients and to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the different tools. METHODS: The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on the INPLASY website (https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2020-9-0028/) and INPLASY registration number is INPLASY202090028. We will perform a systematic literature search of main databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science and the Cochrane database. Also, grey literature will be search. Peer-reviewed studies published in English, Portuguese or Spanish language will be selected. Screening of titles, abstract and full text will be assessed for eligibility by 2 independent blinded reviewers and any discrepancies will be resolved via consensus. After screening the studies, a meta-analysis will be conducted, if it is possible. RESULTS: Results from this systematic review will help health professionals to identify malnutrition in hospitalized patients and to make decisions to prevent or treat it as well as provide new clues to researchers. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review will provide aknowledge about the most valid malnutrition risk screening tool in hospitalized adult patients.

Moving Evidence into Practice by Advanced Practice Nurses in Hospitalization Wards. Protocol for a Multicentre Quasi-Experimental Study in Three Hospitals in Spain.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) combined with quality of care improves patient outcomes. However, there are still difficulties for its implementation in daily clinical practice. This project aims to evaluate the impact of the incorporation of the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) role on the implementation of EBP at three levels: context, nurses' perceptions, and clinical outcomes. Mixed-methods study in two phases is proposed. Phase 1: a quasi-experimental design where five APNs are included in five hospitalization wards that are compared with another five similar wards without APNs. Variables from Practice-Environment-Scale-Nursing-Work-Index, Health-Science-Evidence-Based-Practice-Questionnaire, and Advanced-Practice-Nursing-Competency-Assessment-Instrument are used. Clinical outcomes are followed-up with monthly. A descriptive and exploratory analysis is performed. Phase 2: an exploratory qualitative design through focus groups at the intervention wards after one year of APNs implementation. Explicative data are gathered to explain the progression of change and how actors perceive and attribute triggers, barriers, and facilitators for change. An inductive thematic analysis is performed. The inclusion of APN in hospitalization context is insufficiently studied. It is hoped that these figures provide solutions to the multiple barriers in the development of EBP in these sceneries and contribute to resolve the gap between research results and healthcare practice.

Risk Factors for Difficult Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation. The PIVV2 Multicentre Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Difficult peripheral intravenous cannulation (DPIVC) is associated with serious complications related to vascular access. These complications might be avoided if the risk factors were identified previously, enabling the detection of potentially difficult situations at an early stage. The aim of this study is to consider these risk factors, to determine the influence of the hospital setting, to examine the association between DPIVC and the different techniques of catheter insertion and to analyse the importance of the clinician's experience in this context. METHODS: Case-control study following a previously published protocol, conducted in 48 units of eight public hospitals in Spain. Adult patients requiring a peripheral intravenous cannula were prospectively included in the study population during their hospital stay. Over a period of 11 months, for consecutive eligible patients, nurses in each participating unit recorded data on their assessment of the vascular access performed and the technique used. Variables related to these medical personnel were also recorded. One of the researchers reviewed the patients' clinical history to compile the relevant health variables and to characterise the healthcare process. The statistical analysis included association tests among the main study variables. The risk factors were analysed using bivariate logistic regression. The variables found to be statistically significant were included in a multivariate logistic regression model incorporating each of the healthcare environments identified. RESULTS: The study population was composed of 2662 patients, of whom 221 (8.3%) presented with DPIVC. A previous history of difficulty, the presence of non-palpable veins, acute upper limb alterations and punctures in the ante-cubital fossa were found to be independent risk factors for DPIVC. Differences were found in the frequency of occurrence of DPIVC and in some risk factors, according to the healthcare context. The variables related to the characteristics of the hospital personnel did not influence the study event. CONCLUSION: The present study identifies four independent risk factors for DPIVC that can be incorporated into algorithms aimed at preventing its occurrence and facilitating the referral of patients to vascular access specialist teams.

Defining risk factors associated with difficult peripheral venous Cannulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Peripheral venous catheterization is a common technique in hospitals which is not always successful, resulting in multiple punctures and degradation of the vessels. This scenario, which we have termed 'difficult peripheral venous access', is associated to delays in care, obtention of samples or diagnosis, as well as a higher use of central catheters. This study intends to identify risk factors associated to the incidence of 'difficult peripheral venous access' in adults at hospital. We designed a systematic review of published studies (protocol PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018089160). We conducted structured electronic searches using key words and specific vocabulary, as well as directed searches in several databases. After validity analysis, we selected 7 studies with observational methodology. We found great variability in the definition of 'difficult peripheral venous access' and in the variables proposed as risk factors. Statistically significant factors through studies include demographic and anthropometric variables (gender, Body Mass Index), as well as medical and health conditions (diabetes, renal insufficiency, parenteral drug abuse, cancer chemotherapy), together with variables related to the vein or vascular access (vein visibility and palpability, vessel diameter, previous history of difficulty). Some studies have also considered variables related to the professional performing the technique. Meta-analyses were carried out for gender and obesity as potential risk factors. Only obesity appeared as a statistically significant risk factor with OR of 1.48; 95% CI (1.03 to 1.93; p = 0.016). Methodological heterogeneity prevented the development of further meta-analyses. It is essential to design future studies with diverse hospital populations, in which a wide selection of potential risk factors can be studied in a unique analysis. Our work identifies the most relevant variables that should be included in those studies.

Competences of specialist nurses and advanced practice nurses. / Competencias en enfermeras Especialistas y en Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the distribution of advanced competences in specialist nurses and advanced practice nurses and to evaluate their association with some characteristics of their professional profile. METHOD: Multicentre analytical cross-sectional study. Nurses who worked as advanced practice nurses and specialist nurses were included. Their level of perceived advanced competences was measured, as well as sociodemographic and professional characterization variables. RESULTS: A total of 277 nurses participated (149 practised as advanced practice nurses and 128 as specialists), with an average of 13.88 (11.05) years as a specialist and 10.48 (5.32) years as an advanced practice nurse. In the sample, 28.8% had a master's or doctorate level qualification, 50.2% worked in Primary Care, 24.9% in hospitals and 22.7% in Mental Health. The self-perceived global level was high in the different competences, the lowest dimensions being research, evidence-based practice, quality and safety management and leadership and consulting. The advanced practice nurses obtained a higher level of competence globally and in the dimensions of leadership and consulting, interprofessional relations, care management, and health promotion. There were no differences based on experience or possession of a master's degree or doctorate. In the advanced practice nurses, the practice context did not influence competence levels, although in the specialist nurses it did, in favour of those practicing in Mental Health. CONCLUSIONS: Specialist and advanced practice nurses have different competences that should be adequately managed for the development of advanced and specialist nursing services.

Incidence of peripheral intravenous catheter failure among inpatients: variability between microbiological data and clinical signs and symptoms.

Background: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are the most widely used invasive devices among inpatients. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are serious yet preventable events for patients. Although the contribution of PIVCs towards these infections is gradually being recognised, its role in the Spanish setting is yet to be determined. We aimed to estimate the rate and incidence of PIVC failure at Manacor hospital (Spain) as baseline within a wider quality improvement initiative. Methods: Tips from all PIVC removed during December 2017 and January 2018 in hospital wards were cultured semiquantitatively. The study population included all PIVCs inserted in adult patients admitted to any of three medical and one surgical wards, emergency department, critical care unit and operating rooms. Clinical, microbiological and ward information was collected by clinical researchers for each PIVC from insertion to removal on the study sites. CRBSI was defined per international guidelines (i.e., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA). Data was analysed descriptively. Results: Seven hundred and eleven tips were cultured, with 41.8% (297/711) reported as PIVC failure. The PIVC failure rate density-adjusted incidence for hospital length of stay (HLOS) was 226.2 PIVC failure/1000 HLOS. 5.8% (41/711) tips yielded positive isolates, with most frequent microorganisms Staphylococcus spp (S. epidermidis 29/41, 70.7%, S. aureus 2/41, 4.9%, S. hominis 2/41, 4.9%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (1/41, 2.4%). One S. aureus isolate was methicillin-resistant. 53.6% (22/41) positive cultures were obtained from patients with local signs and symptoms compatible with catheter-related infection (CRI), 2.4% (1/41) were compatible with CRBSI type 2 and that clinical signs improve within 48 h of catheter removal (density-adjusted incidence for hospital stays of 16.7 PIVC-CRI/1000 hospital-stays and 0.76 PVC-BSI/1000 hospital-stays respectively) and no patients were diagnosed CRBSI type 3 with a bacterial growth concordant in tip and blood cultures. Most cases responded favourably to catheter removal and management. Conclusions: Our findings show that almost 42% PIVCs resulted in unplanned removal, amplifying the importance in terms of morbidity, mortality and patient safety. A high number of positive tip cultures without clinical signs and symptoms was observed. We underpin the importance to remove unnecessary PIVCs for the prevention of CRBSI.

Appraising the quality standard underpinning international clinical practice guidelines for the selection and care of vascular access devices: a systematic review of reviews.

OBJECTIVE: Catheter-related bloodstream infections are one of the most important adverse events for patients. Evidence-based practice embraces interventions to prevent and reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients. At present, a growing number of guidelines exist worldwide. The purpose of the study was to assess clinical practice guidelines for peripheral and central venous access device care and prevention of related complications. DESIGN: Systematic review of clinical practice guidelines: We conducted a search of the literature published from 2005 to 2018 using Medline/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Ovid, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Web of Science. We also evaluated grey literature sources and websites of organisations that compiled or produced guidelines. Guideline quality was assessed with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation, Second Edition tool by three independent reviewers. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the concordance between reviewers. RESULTS: We included seven guidelines in the evaluation. The concordance between observers was substantial, K=0.6364 (95% CI 0.0247 to 1.2259). We identified seven international guidelines, which scored poorly on crucial domains such as applicability (medium 39%), stakeholder involvement (medium 65%) and methodological rigour (medium 67%). Guidelines by Spanish Health Ministry and UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence presented the highest quality. CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial to critically evaluate the validity and reliability of clinical practice guidelines so the best, most context-specific document is selected. Such choice is a necessary prior step to encourage and support health organisations to transfer research results to clinical practice. The gaps identified in our study may explain the suboptimal clinical impact of guidelines. Such low adoption may be mitigated with the use of implementation guides accompanying clinical documents.

Implementation of a knowledge mobilization model to prevent peripheral venous catheter-related adverse events: PREBACP study-a multicenter cluster-randomized trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral venous catheters are the most commonly used invasive devices in hospitals worldwide. Patients can experience multiple adverse events during the insertion, maintenance, and management of these devices. Health professionals aim to resolve the challenges of care variability in the use of peripheral venous catheter through adherence to clinical practice guidelines. The aim of this cluster-randomized controlled trial is to determine the efficacy of a multimodal intervention on incidence of adverse events associated with the use of peripheral venous catheters in adult hospital patients. Additional aims are to analyze the fidelity of nurses and the relationship between contextual factors on the use of best available and the outcomes of the intervention. METHODS: Five public hospitals in the Spanish National Health System, with diverse profiles, including one university hospital and four second-level hospitals, will be included. In total, 20 hospitalization wards will be randomized for this study by ward to one of two groups. Those in the first group receive an intervention that lasts 12 months implementing evidence-based practice in healthcare related to peripheral catheters through a multimodal strategy, which will contain updated and poster protocols insertion, maintenance and removal of peripheral venous catheters, technologies applied to e-learning, feedback on the results, user and family information related to peripheral catheter, and facilitation of the best evidence by face-to-face training session. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of adverse events associated with the use of peripheral venous catheters is measured by assessing hospital records. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Nurses' adherence to clinical practice guidelines, clinical outcomes, and the cost of implementing the multimodal intervention. DISCUSSION: Clinical implementation is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon which requires a deep understanding of decision-making, knowledge mobilization, and sense making in routine clinical practice. Likewise, the inclusion of strategies that promote fidelity to recommendations through multicomponent and multimodal intervention must be encouraged. The use of a transfer model could counterbalance one of the greatest challenges for organizations, the evaluation of the impact of the implementation of evidence in the professional context through quality indicators associated with prevention and control of infections. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10438530 . Registered 20 March 2018.