[Assessment of the efficacy of the implementation of an arterial cannulation protocol as quality assurance method]. / Valoración de la eficacia de la implantación de un protocolode canulación arterial como método de garantía de calidad.

AIM: Arterial cannulation is a usual technique in intensive care. With this study, we aim to assess the efficacy of the implementation of an arterial cannulation protocol. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was performed in several phases: a first cross-sectional cut-off to assess the technique performed and the incidence of complications, without knowledge of the study by the staff involved. There was a second phase of development and explanation to the unit staff of a protocol performed based on the results obtained and the available evidence. The third phase was of reevaluation of the results after the implementation of the protocol by a new cross-sectional cut-off without knowledge of the staff. RESULTS: In phase 1, a total of 100 arterial cannulations were studied, obtaining the existence of a large amount of catheters not fixed by suture (44%) and a significant percentage of cases of accidental withdrawal (15%) as fundamental results. The protocol was implemented to solve these problems. It stressed the suture of all the cannalized catheters. Data on 80 patients and 133 catheters have now been gathered. The percentage of catheters that were sutured according to the protocol indication was 98%, significantly greater than phase 1 (p< 0.0001). The number of catheters whose withdrawal reason was accident removal was also significantly inferior (4%; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of an arterial cannulation protocol with a high rate of follow-up by the nursing staff has achieved a reduction in the incidence of iatrogenies due to the technique.

[Computerized graph at the ICU]. / Una gráfica informatizada en U.C.I.

The authors describe the installation and application of a computerized management system for clinical information in an intensive care-resuscitation unit. The authors analyze the installation of the hardware and software as well as the professional preparation provided to personnel. They review the different sections which comprise this program, describing the use(s) of each. They conclude by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages detected over the two years during which they have employed this program, highlighting the qualities derived from its daily use which make it a tool that facilitates daily nursing tasks. This report was presented at "Inforenf 2000", "Inforenf 2001" and "Seeiuc 2000".