Ms Eleonora Deak1, Ms Angela Henson1, Ms Alison Greer1, Mrs Lisa Gordon1, Mrs Belinda Veziroglu1, Ms Hannah Butler1, Ms Helen Tran1, Ms Jamie Gray1, Ms Jenny Strow1, Mrs Kylee McMahon1, Ms Lillian Chen1, Ms Marie Jo Duque1, Ms Michelle Ludwig1, Ms Rebecca Hickson1, Mrs Shaini Varkey1, Ms Vicki Makejev1
1Haemodialysis Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD. , Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Eleonora (Ellie) has been a dialysis nurse since 2016. She worked in the haemodialysis unit of Royal Perth Hospital in Perth, Western Australia until 2023 and currently works in the haemodialysis unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Queensland. Eleonora is interested in the factors that drive as well as inhibit practice innovation and change in dialysis treatment delivery. She also has an interest in supportive and palliative care for improving the patient experience of dialysis. Engaging with practitioners from different units for her is a great opportunity to find out how different teams deliver care to their patients.
Abstract:
Background – If dialysis needles dislodge during haemodialysis, it may result in significant blood loss which poses a serious risk to patient safety. An increase in needle dislodgements prompted a group of nurses to take a proactive approach.
Aim:
To prevent needle dislodgement by increasing awareness amongst haemodialysis staff and patients.
Methods – The project included a proactive marketing campaign, with official launch date, badges and colour theme for the nursing staff. Patient educational material was revised by nursing staff and reviewed by the consumer group. Improvements were made to streamline nursing documentation such as dropdown bars and auto texts to include relevant information. A flowchart was designed to assist decision-making regarding solutions and tapes causing skin irritation in some patients. Staff and patients were educated about taping techniques and types of tape that adhere efficiently to the skin. Patients were encouraged to engage with tape selection and needle securement; and to maintain awareness of their access throughout treatment, e.g. not covering the access arm with blankets to ensure visualisation of the needles.
Results:
The staff and patients were enthusiastic about preventing needle dislodgements and developing innovative ways to do this. Auditing processes are currently underway to evaluate to evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing education strategies. Ongoing evaluation of the process and patient education is occurring.
Conclusion:
This is an ongoing project, and the team meet regularly to discuss any issues that have been identified. Education continues as new staff and patients commence in the unit.