A multidisciplinary approach to end external ventricular drain infections in the neurocritical care unit.
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
Abstract
External ventricular drain (EVD) placement is a common practice in neurocritical care units. The EVDs are the "gold" standard and the most cost-effective treatment for intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus caused by a variety of neurological conditions. The EVD drains excess cerebrospinal fluid in an attempt to maintain balance within the cranial vault and provides intermittent monitoring of intracranial pressure. This invasive procedure, as with any other procedures, carries an increased risk of a device-related infection that can lead to devastating consequences such as meningitis, ventriculitis, and death. This article will discuss how Riverside Methodist Hospital, which is located in Central Ohio, identified an increase in the rate of EVD infections in 2007 and responded with changes in procedure and processes. The implementation of the improvement plan has resulted in 25 months without an EVD infection, a triumph for the patients, staff, and the hospital system.
First Page
188
Last Page
193
DOI
10.1097/JNN.0b013e3182527672
Publication Date
8-1-2012
Recommended Citation
Hill M, Baker G, Carter D, Henman LJ, Marshall K, Mohn K, Moody E. A multidisciplinary approach to end external ventricular drain infections in the neurocritical care unit. J Neurosci Nurs. 2012 Aug;44(4):188-93. doi: 10.1097/JNN.0b013e3182527672. PMID: 22743810.