Intravascular catheters (CVC) are commonly used in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) for multiple purposes. Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) could be associated with using CVCs. Nurses can be educated and motivated to implement interventions that facilitate and improve patient outcomes. Certainly, noncompliance with the CLABSI bundle, can negatively impact patient outcomes. Only limited studies in Saudi Arabia have evaluated nurses' knowledge about current prevention guidelines for CLABSI.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2019 to determine the level of critical care nurses' knowledge of the CDC's guidelines for CLABSI prevention. Previously validated instrument was used to achieve the study objectives.
Results: A total of 100 nurses participated in the study. The vast majority of them (94%) they heard about the CLABSI guidelines and 78% receive training for applying the CLABSI guidelines. Only 13% of the nurses had fully mastered the guidelines. Shortage of nurses and overwork was the main barrier to compliance to CLABSI guidelines. The overall knowledge score was 13.07 (±4.0) out of 20. There is a lack of knowledge CLABSI guidelines, since only 39% of nurses had a high score, whereas 43% had an average level of knowledge and 18% had a weak level.
Conclusion: These findings indicate a potential risk for patient safety and highlights the need for providing continuous educational programmes to improve patients’ outcomes in the ICUs. Improvement of ICU nurses’ knowledge is greatly needed regarding the prevention guidelines for CLABSI.