FACTORS AFFECTING NURSES' PERFORMANCE TOWARD CENTRAL LINE ASSOCIATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTION IN CRITICAL CARE UNITS

Abstract

Background: Central venous catheter insertion is not a benign procedure. It is a potentially harmful one, if it is not performed correctly, it might result in life threatening complications. Thus, nurses should remain sensitive to possible hazards and complications, all intensive care nurses should be aware when performing this intervention of the potential risk a patient is exposed to, and should make an effort to prevent or minimize these. Aim of study: to assess nurses’ performance toward CLABSIs and assess the factors affect their performance at the ICUs of Ain Shams University Hospitals. Research design: A descriptive research design was utilized. Sample: A convenient samples of 100 nurses were included in the current study. Setting: This study was carried out at the Intensive Care Units of Ain Shams University Hospitals. Tools of data collection: Four tools were developed by the investigator and utilized to collect data pertinent to the current study: nurses' knowledge self-administered questionnaire regarding CLABSIs, Factors assessment questionnaire and Nurses’ practices observational checklist to assess their performance of Central Venous Catheter insertion and care procedure and nurses' attitude Likert scale. Results: Around (92%) of the studied sample had unsatisfactory knowledge level, the great majority (91%) of the studied sample had unsatisfactory practice level. There is statistically significance deference in the mean knowledge scores in relation to years of experience in the intensive care unit (p =0.009). A statistically significance in the total practice scores in relation to years of experience in the intensive care unit (p =0.048). Total of positive attitudes are about (43%), Total of negative attitudes are about (57%). And the factors were suggested by researcher affect nurses' performance toward Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections in percentage (88%). Conclusion: Inspite of having vital role in assessment and management of critically ill patients, critical care nurses in the current study had unsatisfactory knowledge, practice and attitude regarding CLABSIs, and there are many factors affect their performance, factors related to setting, factors related to patient and factors related to nurses. Recommendation: updating knowledge and practices of ICU nurses through carrying out continuing educational programs including evidence based guidelines about CLABSIs; Ongoing monitoring of staff nurses' practice while practicing CVC insertion and care and replication of this study on larger probability sample.