Maximising the opportunity of a self‑administration outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy pathway

Background: The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) service has expanded rapidly with more nurse-led direction. Aims: A retrospective study between 1 July 2014 and 31 December 2019 was undertaken to assess the impact of OPAT expansion on beds released for further utilisation, clinical outcomes, adverse vascular access device (VAD) outcome, and self- and family-administered parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Method: Data were extracted from the OPAT Patient Management System and from a patient questionnaire survey. Findings: 1084 completed patient episodes were recorded in 958 patients, rising from 39 episodes in 2014 to 265 in 2019. The number of beds released for further utilisation correspondingly rose from 828 in 2014 to 8462 in 2019. The proportion of patients/family members trained to self-administer rose from 25% to 75%, with clinical cure/improvement of infection remaining high at between 84.6% and 92.8% of patients annually. Serious adverse VAD events remained low throughout. The patient response was generally positive. Conclusion: Nurse empowerment within OPAT can lead to significant improvements and patient benefits, while maintaining clinical outcomes.

Maximising the opportunity of a self-administration outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy pathway

Background: The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) service has expanded rapidly with more nurse-led direction. Aims: A retrospective study between 1 July 2014 and 31 December 2019 was undertaken to assess the impact of OPAT expansion on beds released for further utilisation, clinical outcomes, adverse vascular access device (VAD) outcome, and self- and family-administered parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Method: Data were extracted from the OPAT Patient Management System and from a patient questionnaire survey. Findings: 1084 completed patient episodes were recorded in 958 patients, rising from 39 episodes in 2014 to 265 in 2019. The number of beds released for further utilisation correspondingly rose from 828 in 2014 to 8462 in 2019. The proportion of patients/family members trained to self-administer rose from 25% to 75%, with clinical cure/improvement of infection remaining high at between 84.6% and 92.8% of patients annually. Serious adverse VAD events remained low throughout. The patient response was generally positive. Conclusion: Nurse empowerment within OPAT can lead to significant improvements and patient benefits, while maintaining clinical outcomes.

CLABSI reduction using evidence based interventions and nurse empowerment: a quality improvement initiative from a tertiary care NICU in Pakistan

ObjectiveCentral line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We designed a CLABSI Prevention Package (CPP) to decrease NICU CLABSI rates, using evidence-proven interventions.DesignThis was a quality improvement (QI) project. Data collection was divided into three phases (pre-implementation, implementation and post implementation). SQUIRE2.0 guidelines were used to design, implement and report this QI initiative.SettingA tertiary care level 3 NICU at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan.PatientsAll patients admitted to the AKUH NICU from 1 January 2016 to 31 March 2018 who had a central line in place during their NICU admission.InterventionsCPP used evidence-based interventions focusing on hand hygiene, aseptic central line insertion techniques and central line care, prevention of fungal infections and nurse empowerment.Main outcome measuresCLABSI rates pre and post intervention were recorded. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for CLABSI, device (central line) utilisation ratio, CLABSI related mortality and micro-organism profile.ResultsCLABSI rates decreased from 17.1/1000 device days to 5.0/1000 device days (relative risk (RR)=0.36, CI=0.17–0.74). Device (central line) utilisation ratio declined from 0.30 to 0.25. Out of 613 patients enrolled in our study, 139 (22.7%) died. Mortality was higher in CLABSI group (n=20, 44%) as compared with non CLABSI group (n=119, 21.1%) (p<0.001). Gestational age of <27 weeks was an independent risk factor for CLABSI (RR=4.45, CI=1.10–18.25, p=0.03). A total of 158 pathogens were isolated among which 68 were associated with CLABSI. Gram-negative bacteria 31 (47.7%) were the most common cause of CLABSI. Ninety-seven (61%) micro-organisms were multi-drug resistant.ConclusionsCPP was effective in decreasing NICU CLABSI rates and can be used as a model to decrease NICU CLABSI rates in low or middle-income countries.

Nurse empowerment through Pharmacogenetics

Objective: to verify the existence of elements that justify the use of pharmacogenetics by the Brazilian nurse. Method: this is a quantitative, cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study, whose final sample was 67 individuals. The participants were healthy at the time of the study and reported a history of previous use and the occurrence of adverse effects by drugs commonly used and metabolized by CYP2C9. We collected 4 mL of venous blood for subsequent DNA extraction by salting out method and genotyping of the CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 polymorphisms, using Polymerase Chain Reaction in real time using Taqman assays. Results: the use of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 was frequent (more than 75% of the individuals have already used between 2 or 4 of these drugs). Regarding adverse events, there were 19 perceived symptomatic occurrences associated with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9. The allele frequency of the polymorphism * 2 and * 3 in the population studied was 11.1% and 7.5%, respectively, and there was a coincidence between the presence of alleles of low enzyme activity and the occurrence of adverse effects. Conclusion: there are elements that justify the adoption of pharmacogenetics in the nursing care to reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions to drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.

Republished: Prevention of Nosocomial Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Through Computerized Feedback to Physicians and a Nurse-Directed Protocol

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) represent the most common nosocomial infection. The authors’ baseline rate of CAUTI for general medical service was elevated at 36 per 1000 catheter-days. The medical literature has consistently linked inappropriate catheter use with the development of CAUTI. The baseline data also revealed a high rate of inappropriate use of indwelling urinary catheters. Using the dual modalities of technology through prompts in the computerized order/entry system and handheld bladder scanners, as well as in combination with staff education and nurse empowerment, the authors were successful in reducing the use and duration of urinary catheters as well as the incidence of CAUTI. In subsequent data collection cycles over the following 2 years, 81% reduction in device use and a 73% reduction in the clinical end point of nosocomial CAUTI (36/1000 catheter-days to 11/1000 catheter-days; P < .001) was demonstrated.