Impact of Early Dressing Removal on Tunneled Central Venous Catheters: A Piloting Study

Background: Central Venous Catheters (CVC) are linked with Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CLABSI) or exit-site infections. Dressings may reduce the rate of infection, but they are uncomfortable, do not eliminate the risk of infection, and in some cases become the cause of infection. Aim: This study evaluates the impact of early CVC dressing removal on CLABSI, exit-site infections, and patient quality of life in an oncology setting. Method: A quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted over 15 months at a specialized oncology center. Sixteen patients were divided into control (n=8) and experimental (n=8) groups. The control group received the standard protocol of applying CVC dressings, while the experimental group received a “no-dressing” protocol. Results: There was no statistical significance in the infection rate between the two groups (p=1.0). Two cases developed CLABSIs, one in each group. One patient from the experimental group developed an exit-site infection as well. Patients in the experimental group reported high satisfaction and an improved quality of life. Conclusions: Applying a no-dressing protocol to a wellhealed exit site CVC showed encouraging results in terms of exit-site and bloodstream infections. That is to say; it did not predispose patients to increased risk of infections. Furthermore, patients with no dressing protocol feel more comfortable in their life.