An evaluation of the implementation of a best practice guideline on tracheal suctioning in intensive care units

Aim  To minimise suctioning-induced complications in intensive care patients, it is crucial that nurses are able to perform the procedure safely and act in accord with research-based recommendations. This paper reports the process of developing, disseminating and implementing the best practice guideline and an evaluation of the process and outcomes of care during and following its implementation in intensive care units. Methods  The study was divided into four phases: (i) to develop the best practice guideline and plan strategies for its dissemination and implementation; (ii) to audit the current practice of nurses in the tracheal suctioning of patients in intensive care units with an artificial airway; (iii) to disseminate and implement the best practice guideline; and (iv) to evaluate the process as well as outcome of care following its implementation in intensive care units. Results  The pretest results indicate that gaps exist between actual nursing practice and recommendations based on research evidence. Most nurses performed the skills in accord with the best practice guideline, with 65% nurses scoring above the 70% level. The post-test audit results show that, overall, nurses demonstrated a good endotracheal suctioning technique, with 96% scoring above 75%, indicating an overall improvement in compliance with the guideline. A statistically significant difference was found between the pretest (73%) and post-test (89%) compliance scores (t = -7.67, P < 0.005). Conclusions  This implementation project highlights the importance of using a rigorous and systematic process to ensure the formal testing of an intervention. Some essential principles in implementing evidence are necessary, such as involving relevant staff and having a range of strategies and clear processes for implementation.