The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently introduced new global guidelines aimed at mitigating the risk of bloodstream infections related to the use of peripherally inserted catheters (PIVCs). These catheters, which are inserted into minor blood vessels, have been identified as a common medium for the introduction of pathogens directly into the bloodstream. This can trigger severe conditions, including sepsis, and complications in vital organs like the brain and kidneys. Besides, the insertion site can also develop soft tissue infections.
Approximately 70% of all hospital inpatients will require the use of PIVCs at some point during their hospital stay. This statistic is particularly concerning because patients who require catheter treatments are often already critically ill or have compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to contracting infections.
According to WHO data, between 2000 and 2018, the average mortality rate for patients affected by healthcare-associated sepsis was 24.4%, which escalates to 52.3% for patients treated in intensive care units. These bloodstream infections often originate from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. A shocking estimate suggests that bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused at least 1.27 million deaths and contributed to an additional 4.95 million deaths in 2019 alone.
Healthcare-associated infections are preventable yet pose a grave threat to the quality and safety of healthcare services worldwide. Emphasizing on clean care and stricter infection control measures is crucial for saving lives and easing the avoidable suffering faced by patients globally.
The WHO’s recent guidelines included 14 good practice statements and 23 recommendations aimed at aiding health workers in proper insertion, maintenance, and removal of catheters, thereby reducing the risk of infections. WHO has pledged to continue assisting countries in developing and implementing best practices to curb the frequency of bloodstream infections in hospitals and promote providing safe and effective medical care to all patients.
Thus, as healthcare professionals, it is vital to familiarize ourselves with these guidelines and implement them in our daily practice for the betterment of patient care.