Using the i-PARIHS theoretical framework to develop evidence implementation strategies for central venous catheter maintenance: a multi-site quality improvement project.

Introduction: Evidence-based nursing practice can reduce complications associated with central venous catheters (CVCs). In this project, the Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework was considered an ideal theoretical instrument to identify facilitators and barriers to implementing evidence-based practice.

Methods: The project was conducted in pediatric intensive care units in six Chinese tertiary children's hospitals. Twenty-two audit criteria were obtained from best practice recommendations, and a baseline audit was conducted to assess current practice against best practice. Next, the i-PARIHS framework was used to identify facilitators and barriers to best practice and develop improvement strategies. A follow-up audit was then conducted to measure changes in compliance with best practices.

Results: Facilitators and barriers were identified at the innovation, recipient, and context levels. A comprehensive CVC maintenance strategy was then developed to apply the best evidence to nurses' clinical work. Of the 22 audit criteria, 17 showed significant improvement compared with the baseline audit.

Conclusions: The i-PARIHS framework is an effective tool for developing targeted, evidence-based improvement strategies and applying these to the clinical setting. The quality of the nurses' clinical practice improved during CVC maintenance. However, there is no certainty that these positive results can be maintained, and long-term data are needed to verify this.

Spanish Abstract: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A185.