A Prospective Study of Family Engagement for Prevention of Central Line-associated Blood Stream Infections

INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine if a family-centered care (FCC) handout intervention designed to encourage family engagement (FE) in the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) would alter parental perceptions of FCC and improve staff compliance with CLABSI bundle components. METHODS: A prospective quasiexperimental study of 121 legal guardians of children with a central venous catheter (CVC) admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Baseline (n = 59) and intervention (n = 62) groups of parents completed an 18-question online survey assessing basic CLABSI care practices and FCC principles. The intervention group received an FE handout before completing the survey with information about CLABSI prevention practices designed to encourage active participation in their child’s CVC care. RESULTS: Independent sample t-tests found significant improvements in the intervention parents responses compared to the baseline group (no handout) on survey items assessing CLABSI knowledge (P < 0.001) and on parental perceptions of FCC in the domains of dignity and respect, information sharing, participation, and partnership (all with a P < 0.001). An improvement was observed in staff CLABSI maintenance bundle compliance in the postintervention period, increasing from 89% to 94%. CONCLUSIONS: Educating parents on CLABSI prevention strategies and encouraging family participation in CVC care was associated with improved parental perceptions of participation in their child’s care, medical team’s listening, attention, honesty, and explanation of treatment plans and was associated with an increase in staff compliance with CLABSI maintenance bundle practices.