Consensus on safety skills for patients with central venous catheters: a modified Delphi method

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Safety
• Vascular Access Devices

Background:

• Central venous catheters (CVCs) are associated with complications like infection and thrombosis.
• These complications increase hospital stays and healthcare costs.
• Patient education is effective but lacks a standardized competency framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a consensus-based competency framework for patient education regarding CVCs.
• To define essential skills for patients managing CVCs in ambulatory settings.

Main Methods:

• Modified Delphi method employed with 62 healthcare professionals.
• Initial questionnaire based on literature review, covering general information, daily life, and care.
• Competencies categorized using WHO guidelines: knowledge, self-management, and confidence.

Main Results:

• Consensus achieved on 22 competencies after two rounds.
• High consensus (≥90%) reached for 15 competencies.
• Some competencies, like identifying CVC connectors, were debated due to potential information overload.

Conclusions:

• A validated competency framework for CVC patient education has been developed.
• This framework serves as a reference for educational interventions.
• The framework aims to mitigate CVC-related complications and improve patient care.