Prevention and management of medical adhesive-related skin injuries in tumor patients with peripheral central venous catheters: a best practice implementation project

ABSTRACT Introduction: Peripheral central venous catheters are common vascular access devices used in patients with tumors. To prevent catheter shedding and displacement, it is essential to use medical adhesives to secure the catheters. Repeated adhesion and removal of medical adhesives can weaken the barrier function of the skin, leading to medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI), which can increase the patients’ pain and medical expenses. Objectives: The objective of this project was to utilize the best evidence to prevent and manage MARSI in tumor patients with peripheral central venous catheters. Methods: This evidence-based audit and feedback project was theoretically informed by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. The framework involves seven phases in which a project team was established; measurable criteria were selected; baseline data were collected; improvement strategies were implemented to address gaps in compliance; a follow-up audit was conducted to assess improvements in compliance; and sustainability measures were considered. The project also used the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) for project management, including data collection and analysis. The JBI Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) approach was also used to support implementation and compliance. Results: In the baseline audit, the compliance rate for the nine audit criteria was low. In the follow-up audit, the compliance rate significantly improved, with each audit criterion exceeding a minimum of 80%, and four audit criteria reaching 100%. Knowledge of MARSI among nurses and patients significantly improved (p < 0.05) and the incidence of MARSI among patients with peripheral central venous catheters decreased. Conclusions: This project successfully enhanced nurses’ compliance with MARSI prevention and management and increased the knowledge and skills of both nurses and patients about MARSI. Spanish abstract: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A285