Improving antibiotic treatment outcomes through the implementation of a midline: piloting a change in practice for XXXX @entity1 .

@entity1 @entity715 @entity1577
Midline catheters have many advantages for chronically ill @entity1 needing up to six weeks intravenous therapy and medications, and when inserted in a sterile environment and correctly monitored and maintained, have a significantly lower association of infection and @entity715 than previously suggested. Furthermore, there is a reduction in central collateral vessel formation from incursions into the superior vena cava, associated with peripherally inserted central catheters. Midline use was examined in a @entity1577 control group. Lines were checked daily until removal. All midline catheter tips were sent for culture on removal and data from 42 midlines placed in 2006 were retrieved from the hospital scientist for analysis. Twenty-seven inpatients with @entity1577 were identified and informed of the trial and possible risks of midline use. Outcome variables included infection and @entity715 rates. On conclusion of the trial, data demonstrated both zero infection and @entity715 rates in the study @entity1 population. Midline catheters were monitored for a further 12 months following conclusion of the trial and infection rates continued to be below 1% and @entity715 rates lower than 2%. In the specified group, the parameters of use for midlines fit with international @entity1577 intravenous antibiotic protocols currently adhered to. The study has begun to generate evidence to inform clinical practice, improve @entity1 outcomes and supports the role of the specialist nurse in implementing midlines for @entity1577 @entity1 .
