Is it Worth Having a Dedicated Infusion Therapy Nurse? Impact on Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter-associated Bloodstream Infections Rates and Costs
Author | : Daiane Cais |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : |
Release | : 2017 |
Genre | : |
ISBN | : |
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Background: Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) are increasingly used in healthcare services and bloodstream infections associated to them (PICC-BSI) leads to increased mortality and costs. We aimed to compare direct costs of PICC-BSI in a 300-bed Brazilian Hospital, before and after employing a dedicated infusion therapy nurse (ITN). Methods: After May/2016, a dedicated ITN for adult patients was admitted to perform the following functions: to apply evidence-based indications for vascular access and avoid its potential overuse, ultrasound-guided PICC insertion, nursing staff capacitation in PICC maintenance, patient education and empowerment for catheter care, management of peripheral line indicators. PICC-BSI episodes occurred before (Jan/15 to May/16) and after (Jun/16 to Nov/17) ITN were detected by active surveillance by Infection Control Team, according to National Healthcare Safety Network criteria. PICC-BSI costs were measured considering an extra length of stay and antimicrobial therapy of 7 days, cost of PICC and laboratorial inputs for BSI detection. Values were converted from Brazilian Real to US dollar (quotation updated 02/15/2018). Results: There were 07 PICC-BSI before and 05 after ITN, which correspond to 0.7 and 0.4/1000 PICC-day infection rate respectively (reduction of 43%). After May/2016, there was an increase of 50% in PICC use per patient-day (8% and 12%). The average PICC-BSI direct cost was $9,900 - extra length of stay: $7,492; antimicrobial therapy: $1,095; cost of PICC: $765; laboratorial samples: $548. Discussion & Conclusions: In this study, we evaluated only the direct and estimated costs of PICC-BSI, but the value should be much higher if we consider indirect costs such as healthcare workers hours, complications and the need for transfers to intensive care units. In our hospital, a dedicated ITN nurse contributed to reduce the rate of infection, generating savings for the service and contributing to the quality of care and patient experience.