Implementation of a Visual assessment Tool to Ensure that central Venous Access Devices Care is Delivered and Documented

Aim: The core aim of this project is to implement a visual assessment tool to ensure that all the CVADs on the patients are checked on every shift, adequate care is provided and proper documentation is done post care delivery.

Rationale: All CVADs‟ are a potential source of infections. The microbes that colonize catheter hubs and the skin surrounding the insertion site are the source of most catheter-related bloodstream infections which could result in further complications. In order to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infection, Strategy for the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland was published by Health Protection Surveillance Centre which includes implementation of tools like care bundles and visual assessment tools. Furthermore, the absence of a valid visual assessment tool leads to less consistency of documentation on CVAD care provided.

Change Process: The HSE Change Model was used to assist in planning and implementing the change processes.

Evaluation: The informal education sessions were evaluated using Kirkpatrick‟s (1959) Evaluation Model. The overall initiative was evaluated by auditing clinical records pre and post implementation of the tool.

Results & Conclusion: The results showed a 54% improvement in adherence to documentation standards, which shows that the care was carried out more appropriately than before.