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Reducing external ventricular drain associated ventriculitis: An improvement project in a level 1 trauma center
Laura A Reiter1, Olga L Taylor2, Maimuna Jatta3
1Department of Human Resources: Education and Organizational Development, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, VA.
American Journal of Infection Control
|September 18, 2022
Summary
Implementing an evidence-based external ventricular drain (EVD) bundle of care significantly reduced ventriculitis rates. This interprofessional approach demonstrated a feasible strategy to decrease EVD-associated infections.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- External ventricular drain (EVD)-associated infections increase healthcare costs and negatively impact patient outcomes.
- Variations in EVD management practices can elevate the risk of EVD-associated infections.
- This study evaluated an interprofessional evidence-based EVD care bundle to reduce ventriculitis rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of an interprofessional evidence-based EVD care bundle in reducing ventriculitis.
- To standardize EVD management and minimize practice inconsistencies.
- To improve patient outcomes by decreasing infection rates.
Main Methods:
- An interprofessional team developed an evidence-based EVD care bundle and order set.
- Standardized EVD equipment and optimized electronic health records.
- Provided education and competency validation for neurosurgical providers and nurses, with weekly interprofessional rounds.
Main Results:
- The rate of EVD-associated ventriculitis decreased from 8.8 infections per 1000 EVD days in 2019 to 0 infections per 1000 EVD days in 2021.
- A pre/post intervention design demonstrated a significant reduction in infection rates post-implementation.
- The EVD care bundle led to complete elimination of EVD-related ventriculitis in the observed period.
Conclusions:
- An interprofessional team approach can successfully reduce EVD-associated infection rates.
- Implementation of an evidence-based EVD care bundle is a feasible and effective strategy.
- Standardized care and interprofessional collaboration are key to preventing EVD-related ventriculitis.
Keywords:
EVDEvidence-based external ventricular drain bundleExternal ventricular drain-associated infectionMore Related Videos
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