Assessment of Nurses’ Adherence to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines Regarding Central Line Care for Children with Cancer

Abstract

Using Central Line Catheters (CLCs) is actually an essential element of modern healthcare throughout the world. Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) accounts for 11% of all health care association infection which increases the cost of health care and prolongs hospitalization. Nurses play an intrinsic role in preventing CLABSIs through following the CDC guidelines recommendations. This study aimed to assess Oncology nurses' adherence to CDC guidelines regarding CLC care for children with cancer at Pediatric Oncology Units, King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Dammam (KFSH-D). A descriptive research design was utilized and 25 pediatric oncology nurses who were providing Central Line Catheter care for children with cancer have participated in this study. Every nurse was observed for three different times while providing CLC care. Results: The participant nurses from pediatric oncology inpatient constituted 64% while outpatient nurses were 36% of the sample. The total adherence median percent score (IQR) for inpatients nurses was 79% (14%), while outpatients nurses adherence median percent score (IQR)was 76% (12%). No significant statistical different found between the two groups. Conclusion; although the strict adherence to CDC guidelines regarding CLC care is highly recommended the study illustrated that the adherence of the nurses was not efficient. Recommendations: Training sessions to improve nurses' skills regarding CLC care. Periodical competencies check off to assess the level of nurses' adherence to CDC guidelines are recommended. Further researches to assess CLC care practice are required with larger sample size.

Keywords: Central line catheter care, children with cancer