Factors Affecting Nurses' Performance toward Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection in Critical Care Units

Background: Central venous catheter insertion is not a benign procedure. It is a potentially
harmful one, if it is not performed correctly, it might result in life threatening complications. Aim of
study: to assess nurses’ performance toward CLABSIs and assess the factors affect their performance at
the ICUs of Ain Shams University Hospitals. Research design: A descriptive exploratory research
design was utilized. Sample: A convenient samples of 100 nurses were included in the current study.
Setting: This study was carried out at the Intensive Care Units of Ain Shams University Hospitals. Tools
of data collection: Four tools were developed by the investigator and utilized to collect data pertinent to
the current study: nurses' knowledge self-administered questionnaire regarding CLABSIs, Factors
assessment questionnaire and Nurses’ practices observational checklist to assess their performance of
Central Venous Catheter insertion and care procedure and nurses' attitude Likert scale. Results: Around
(92%) of the studied sample had unsatisfactory knowledge level, the great majority (91%) of the studied
sample had unsatisfactory practice level. There is statistically significance deference in the mean
knowledge scores in relation to years of experience in the intensive care unit (p =0.009). A statistically
significance in the total practice scores in relation to years of experience in the intensive care unit (p
=0.048). Total of positive attitudes are about (43%), Total of negative attitudes are about (57%). And the
factors were suggested by researcher affect nurses' performance toward Central Line Associated
Bloodstream Infections in percentage (88%). Conclusion: In spite of having vital role in assessment and
management of critically ill patients, critical care nurses in the current study had unsatisfactory
knowledge, practice and attitude regarding CLABSIs, and there are many factors affect their
performance, factors related to setting, factors related to patient and factors related to nurses.
Recommendation: updating knowledge and practices of ICU nurses through carrying out continuing
educational programs including evidence based guidelines about CLABSIs; Ongoing monitoring of staff
nurses' practice while practicing CVC insertion and care and replication of this study on larger
probability sample.