British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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John Tingle discusses a new publication on complaints in health and social care by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
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The first specialist nursing team placing peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in the Czech Republic was established in September 2012. During 2013 the team placed 167 PICCs and 162 midline catheters. In another 6 patients the insertion was not successful. ⋯ During follow up of PICCs, catheter infection rate was 0.3/1000 days, vein thrombosis rate 0.4/1000 days, catheter occlusion 0.4/1000 days, and catheter displacement 0.33/1000 days. For midline catheters infection rate was 1.4/1000 days, vein thrombosis 5.2/1000 days, catheter occlusion 2.6/1000 days, and catheter displacement 2.2/1000 days. The authors hope that these results will motivate other hospitals in the Czech republic to establish PICC teams, as in other European countries.
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Many reports and studies have highlighted concerns with fluid management in acute care settings. The level of knowledge displayed by nurses and the influence this has on fluid management is often analysed. Nurses measure patients' fluid intake and output in the belief that medical staff will use the data to prescribe appropriate fluid management. ⋯ Consequently, practitioners require a comprehensive understanding of fluid physiology and the potential risks to the patient when there is inappropriate documentation of fluid status. The use of the fluid balance chart is examined as a means to assess fluid status, and other supplementary assessment strategies are also considered. The aim is to ensure comprehensive assessment and evaluation of an individual's fluid status, thereby guiding appropriate fluid management in the acute care setting.
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In the second part of his two-part column John Tingle discusses the report published by the Patients Association on the state of the NHS Complaints system.