Accuracy of levelling intraventricular collection drainage systems

In neuroscience critical care units, patients may have ventricular drains placed to aid management of acutely elevated intracranial pressure from a variety of causes. Correct placement of the ventricular drainage collection system, a nursing responsibility, is key to the process, and has the potential to influence patient outcome. A two-part study investigated the accuracy with which registered nurses levelled a ventricular drainage collection system. Part 1 found that nurses (N = 33) were unable to accurately level using visual means only. Part 2 found that nurses' (N = 31) use of a tool (a carpenter's level or a newly developed laser levelling device) dramatically improved accuracy. However, demographic differences between nurses in Part 1 and Part 2 may have contributed to this outcome. While both tools were accurate, the laser levelling device was superior to the carpenter's level for speed of use, nurses' rating of ease of use and patient safety.