Catheter-related bloodstream infections in intensive care units: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Aim: This paper is a report of a systematic review and meta-analysis of strategies, other than antimicrobial coated catheters, hypothesized to reduce risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections and catheter colonization in the intensive care unit setting.

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infections occur at a rate of 5 per 1000 catheter days in the intensive care unit setting and cause substantial mortality and excess cost. Reducing risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections among intensive care unit patients will save costs, reduce length of stay, and improve outcomes.

A systematic review comparing the relative effectiveness of antimicrobial-coated catheters in intensive care units.

Background: Bloodstream infection related to a central venous catheter is a substantial clinical and economic problem. To develop policy for managing the risks of these infections, all available evidence for prevention strategies should be synthesized and understood.

Methods: We evaluate evidence (1985-2006) for short-term antimicrobial-coated central venous catheters in lowering rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in the adult intensive care unit.

Effect of healthcare-acquired infection on length of hospital stay and cost.

Objective: To estimate the independent effect of a single lower respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, or other healthcare-acquired infection on length-of-stay and variable costs and to demonstrate the bias from omitted variables that is present in previous estimates.

Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting.

Experiences of the generalist nurse caring for adolescents with mental health problems.

Mental healthcare for adolescents is currently provided in a range of settings, including general hospital wards and paediatric wards, although care of adolescents with mental health problems in general settings has not been evaluated. This descriptive study surveyed generalist nurses who provide care to adolescents with mental health problems in the general hospital setting to determine satisfaction with their abilities to provide care, challenges encountered in care provision and strategies to provide optimal care by these nurses. Participants included 30 generalist nurses (response rate of 73%) from two wards in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Queensland, Australia.