Impact of Early Dressing Removal on Tunneled Central Venous Catheters: A Piloting Study

Abstract

Background: Central Venous Catheters (CVC) are linked with Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CLABSI)<br />or exit-site infections. Dressings may reduce the rate of infection, but they are uncomfortable, do not eliminate the<br />risk of infection, and in some cases become the cause of infection. Aim: This study evaluates the impact of early<br />CVC dressing removal on CLABSI, exit-site infections, and patient quality of life in an oncology setting. Method: A<br />quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted over 15 months at a specialized oncology center. Sixteen patients were<br />divided into control (n=8) and experimental (n=8) groups. The control group received the standard protocol of applying<br />CVC dressings, while the experimental group received a “no-dressing" protocol. Results: There was no statistical<br />significance in the infection rate between the two groups (p=1.0). Two cases developed CLABSIs, one in each group.<br />One patient from the experimental group developed an exit-site infection as well. Patients in the experimental group<br />reported high satisfaction and an improved quality of life. Conclusions: Applying a no-dressing protocol to a wellhealed<br />exit site CVC showed encouraging results in terms of exit-site and bloodstream infections. That is to say; it<br />did not predispose patients to increased risk of infections. Furthermore, patients with no dressing protocol feel more<br />comfortable in their life.