ABSTRACT

Background: According to recent studies by the CDC, statistics show that over 18,000 central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), were reported in 2019 across the United States. CLABSIs can lead to prolonged hospital stays and increase healthcare costs and mortality for patients. Oncology patients are most at risk for this complication as they require central lines to receive their chemotherapy medications and other forms of treatment. Prevention strategies have shown to limit the incidence of CLABSIs in hospitalized patients to improve their health status and health goals.

Objectives: The purpose of this evidence-based practice presentation is to determine the effect of an educational session about a CLABSI prevention bundle to oncology nurses.

Methods: A pre-test/post-test questionnaire about CLABSIs and prevention strategies will be distributed to determine the nurse’s baseline knowledge, and knowledge after the education. The educational presentation includes information about CLABSIs and different strategies that should be utilized in the bundle to prevent them; aseptic technique, dressing changes, chlorhexidine bathing, scrubbing the hub, central line audits and more.

Results: The primary outcome is an increase in nurses’ knowledge on CLABSI prevention bundle. The secondary outcome is a decrease in CLABSI in oncology patients. These outcomes will aide in preventing hospital acquired infections for patients with a central line thus reducing mortality rates and health care costs.

Conclusion: Based on research, a CLABSI prevention bundle implemented in an educational session for oncology nurses show an increase in nurses’ knowledge and a decrease in central line infections on the unit.

Keywords: CLABSI, central line infections, nurses, oncology.