Multicountry survey (October 2006-March 2007).
SETTING: Twenty-two European countries.
PARTICIPANTS: ICU nurses.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Using a validated multiple-choice test, knowledge of ten recommendations for
central venous catheter-related
infection prevention was evaluated (one point per question) and assessed in relation to participants' gender, ICU experience, number of ICU beds, and acquisition of a specialized ICU qualification. We collected 3405 questionnaires (70.9% response rate); mean test score was 44.4%. Fifty-six percent knew that
central venous catheters should be replaced on indication only, and 74% knew this also concerns replacement over a guidewire. Replacing
pressure transducers and tubing every 4 days, and using coated devices in patients requiring a
central venous catheter >5 days in settings with high
infection rates only were recognized as recommended by 53% and 31%, respectively.
Central venous catheters dressings in general are known to be changed on indication and at least once weekly by 43%, and 26% recognized that both
polyurethane and gauze dressings are recommended. Only 14% checked 2% aqueous
chlorhexidine as the recommended disinfection
solution; 30% knew
antibiotic ointments are not recommended because they trigger resistance. Replacing administration sets within 24 hrs after administering
lipid emulsions was recognized as recommended by 90%, but only 26% knew sets should be replaced every 96 hrs when administering neither
lipid emulsions nor blood products. Professional seniority and number of ICU beds showed to be independently associated with better test scores.
CONCLUSIONS: