Assessing+Knowledge+of+PICC+and+Sterile+Dressing+Change

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this Quality Improvement (QI) project was to increase the acute care registered nurse (RN) evidence-based knowledge related to clinical indications for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines and correct sterile dressing change. Methods: A pre/postinterventional design was implemented to evaluate RN knowledge of the topic. RNs at a hospital in Zephyrhills, Florida, were invited to participate using posted advertisements in the hospital with a scannable QR code to access the Qualtrics pre-survey and were encouraged by team leaders to participate during daily shift Gemba Board meetings. At the end of the pre-survey, the user was automatically rerouted to the educational PowerPoint with a link at the end to access the post-survey. Results: The participating RNs (n=29) completed both the pre-and post-survey.Most participants were female (n=22; 75.9%) and aged 25-40 (n=19; 65.5%) years old. Most participants had a bachelor9s degree in nursing (n=15; 51.7%) and had been in nursing for 2-5 years (n=10; 34.5%). There was a statistically significant difference in the total knowledge scores between pre-survey (Mean=60.05%) and post-survey (Mean=77.01%). A Chi-squared test with a significance level of 0.05 was used to evaluate the twelve-item questionnaire. It was determined that the educational toolkit intervention significantly improved the participant9s knowledge of PICC lines. Conclusion: It would be recommended to repeat the data collection to bolster the statistical significance of the initial analysis. The QI project could be improved by making this education an annual requirement to ensure the facility RNs adhere to evidence-based practice regarding PICC line indications and sterile dressing changes. Future implications could include expanding the education to include CLABSI prevention measures and investigating if the education provided reduces incident rates.