Pnina Granat, Nika Gorkliansky, Yafa Hanania, Michal Rasin and Miri Berger
Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Israel
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Primary Health Care
Introduction: Intravenous catheters are indispensable tools of modern medicine. Although intravenous devices can be used for a variety of purposes, they may cause complications, Phlebitis being the most commonly observed one. During hospitalization, a peripheral infusion is introduced into the patient for therapeutic purposes or retention of venous access. The incidence of Phlebitis ranges from 25% up to 70%. About 80% of hospitalized patients have intravenous treatment. This subject was chosen by a management team in the department as a quality project. Aims: (1) Mapping the existing situation, (2) Increasing awareness of nursing staff to prevent infections and (3) Improving the quality of patient care. Method: Quality indices were established. Using a sample of 100 patients each quarter during the year, data were collected by means of observation and completion of a questionnaire by the department staff. We examined measures such as rate of patients without evidence of Phlebitis, no deviations from vein, vein line treatment, skin assessment and documentation reports. Results: The rate of patients without Phlebitis was 89% and increased to 95%. The rate of no deviation from the vein increased from 91% to 98%. Quality treatment according to procedures increased from 86% to 93%. The performance index for skin rate assessment increased from 82% to 94%. During the implementation of the quality program the staff attended lectures about infection prevention and participated in training sessions. The findings were presented at staff meetings and cooperation between doctors and nurses increased. The improvement program continues to be in operation in the department for the purpose of achieving and maintaining the goals. Conclusion: Health professionals must acknowledge the importance of infection prevention and appropriate patient care and this should be emphasized via education of the staff, prevention measures, clinical evaluation and intervention.
Pnina Granat was currently working in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Plastic surgery Assaf Harofeh Medical Center Israel and finished the Basic course in Nursing Administration, M.A Director of Health Systems, Israel College, B.A Nursing Kaplan School of Nursing is a branch of Hadassah and the Hebrew University Israel and Registered Nurse - Graduated from Tel Hashomer Nursing School Israel and awarded as the hospital's outstanding nurse in Assaf Harofeh Medical Center Israel.
EMail:pninagr@asaf.health.gov.il
