A practical approach to designing and performing a focused study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Clinical Practice Improvement

Background:

• Focused studies are integral to infection surveillance, prevention, and control.
• Prevalence survey methodologies are familiar to infection control professionals.
• Evaluating cost-effectiveness is crucial for healthcare interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the methodology of a focused study for infection control professionals.
• To evaluate the potential cost savings of extending intravenous catheter change frequency.
• To provide a practical example of study design and execution in infection control.

Main Methods:

• The study employed a prevalence survey methodology.
• A focused study was designed to assess cost savings.
• The intervention involved extending intravenous catheter site and administration set change frequency from 72 to 96 hours.

Main Results:

• The practical example demonstrated the steps required for conducting such a study.
• Extending the change frequency from 72 to 96 hours was evaluated for cost-effectiveness.
• The study design is adaptable for various infection control practice improvements.

Conclusions:

• Focused studies are feasible and valuable for infection control professionals.
• Extending intravenous catheter change intervals can be evaluated for economic benefits.
• The methodology presented supports evidence-based practice in infection prevention.