Group Style Central Venous Catheter Education Using the GLAD Model

This study aimed to examine the impact of group-based central venous catheter education (CVC) on the knowledge, skill and comfort of caregivers, length of stay (LOS) related to initial CVC placement and 30-day return hospital visit for central line associated blood stream infections (CLABSI).

This pilot study employed a pretest-posttest design comparing retrospective data collected before implementation of the group-based education (GLAD Model). Data were collected from children's caregivers before and after taking the educational class through use of the Comfort Survey, and collected though the electronic medical record. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24, repeated measures analysis of variance, and t-test.

Pre-post difference with the Comfort Survey indicated significant increase (M = 0.49, SD = 0.79), t(92) = 6.05, p = 0.001, d = -0.62) for skill, knowledge and comfort for the pre- and the post 2 (1 month after) and 3 (2 months after). After GLAD Model implementation, LOS related to initial CVC placement during retrospective review declined from 29.7 days to 27.7 and 30-day return hospital visit declined from twelve to zero. Our results suggest that use of the GLAD Model educational program might be effective in improving caregiver knowledge, skill and comfort as well as LOS and 30-day return hospital visit.

This study suggests that group-based, education with use of the GLAD Model should to be considered as an effective educational intervention in providing caregivers CVC education. This may help care for their child at home while enhancing their hospital experience and decreasing unplanned hospital visits.