Point-of-care ultrasound for Peripheral IV line procedures in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

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Ahrens, Shirley

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2024-05

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Purpose: The purpose of this project was to improve success rates and knowledge for point of care ultrasound in the NICU via development, implementation, and evaluation of an educational program given to selected staff in the NICU. Background: Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is used in a variety of adult specialties. However, neonatal specialists have been slow to adopt point of care ultrasound because of limited training, costs of equipment, and medical liability concerns. Several studies have shown that using point of care ultrasound for central line procedures improved attempt rates and procedural time and decreased complications. Providers find it difficult to locate the catheter tip position on x-ray alone. Researchers have suggested that ultrasounds are a superior tool to radiographs when determining central line position. Population: This quality improvement project was conducted in a 16 bed, level III NICU in a community hospital. Nine staff members reviewed the information. Methods: An ultrasound education about POCUS was implemented with input from key stakeholders in the NICU. Chosen NICU staff were trained in the use of the ultrasound and provided printed materials for continued use of the equipment. Simulation activities were utilized during the education. Data was collected before and after implementation of the education. An informal survey was done prior to and after the education to ensure that the goals were met for implementation. Information was also reviewed after education to ensure that staff had the resources needed to continue use of the ultrasound. Results: There were improvements in the need for education as noted by the staff members. Ongoing education is still needed to assist the staff to become more proficient with POCUS. Data for ongoing usage of point of care ultrasound in this level III unit is ongoing. Conclusion: Implementation of the use of ultrasound can improve delivery of care and decrease time to insertion and limit overall x-rays in this newborn period. Further staff education will lead to continued use and improvements in the accuracy of reading ultrasound for line placement at the bedside.

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Creighton University

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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University

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