Implementation of central venous catheter checklist as a strategy for infection prevention

Abstract

Objective: To report the experience of developing a follow-up form on good practices in the maintenance of central venous catheters as a strategy to consolidate attitudes towards infection prevention and control. Experience report: The practice was performed by nurses from a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a large federal public hospital. A literature review, consultation with the care team, discussion in a working group and training for implementation were carried out. The instrument included the following good practices for verification: catheter identification, flushing, validity of dressings, phlogistic signs at insertion, need for permanence and data on removal. After a period of four months of adaptation and validation by the team, a consultation was carried out with professionals for adaptations, which resulted in the modification of the instrument layout and inclusion of the items: reason for permanence, dressing change and date of the last change, validity of the infusion lines, flushing time, specifications regarding the insertion site, patient transferred with the catheter and collection of reflux. Final considerations: After using the follow-up form, linked to the team's training, an improvement in the culture of good practices related to the maintenance of the central venous catheter was observed, which had repercussions on the unit's quality indicators.