Blood withdrawal from intravenous catheter by AUBMC emergency department nurses :comparison of two practices initiative -

Abstract

Laboratory tests are essential to diagnosis and treatment in the emergency department (ED), but they can result in prolonged waiting times for patients, multiple needle pricks and complaints about pain and discomfort. In many parts of the world as well as the United States, registered nurses are allowed to withdraw blood samples from intravenous catheter sites, thus speeding up the blood sampling process and treatment.As this is not the case at AUBMC, a feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the change in practice from a cost, time and applicability perspective. Using an observational approach, data were collected about the management of a possible change in practice in the ED at AUBMC. Two proposed changes to practice were trialled and compared with current practice. The change process followed by the change team was documented and recommendations were made about how best to introduce such changes to nursing practice in the ED. At the same time, the study investigated whether allowing registered nurses to collect blood will significantly improve patient experience or satisfaction, length of stay and cost.