Surveillance of intravenous catheter-related infections among home care clients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Infection control in home care is an important area of study, and infection related to home infusion therapy is one component.

METHODS:

According to billed supplies from a 6-month period, we identified clients receiving intravenous care and conducted a chart review to determine characteristics and infection status. We reviewed each client from the start of a continuous home care period through April 30, 1992.

RESULTS:

Care of the catheters was done by nurses, family care givers, or the clients themselves. Intravenous catheter-related infections-site infections and bacteremia-occurred in three (4.5%) of the sample of 67; bacteremia occurred in one (1.5%). Incidence density was 12.5 infections per 10,000 catheter days (4.2 bacteremias per 10,000 days). Among those with central lines who remained without infection, 22.9% had the same line in place for 90 days or more. Among those with peripheral lines who remained without infection, 14.3% had a peripheral line, which was changed during home care, for 30 days or longer.

CONCLUSIONS:

Home care agencies seeking accreditation from the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations need to establish surveillance systems; this may be one method to monitor device-related infections and to determine baseline rates.

• Authors: M C White, K E Ragland
• Journal: American journal of infection control (Am J Infect Control) Vol. 22 Issue 4 Pg. 231-5 (Aug 1994) ISSN: 0196-6553 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7985824 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Bacteremia (epidemiology, etiology)
• California (epidemiology)
• Catheterization, Central Venous (adverse effects, nursing)
• Catheterization, Peripheral (adverse effects, nursing)
• Child
• Female
• Home Care Services (standards)
• Humans
• Infection Control (methods)
• Infections (epidemiology, etiology)
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Population Surveillance