Development of an Instructional Video to Reinforce Patient Education Regarding Central Venous Catheter Care

Topic Significance & Study Purpose/Background/Rationale

The purpose of this study was to determine if adding an instructional video to discharge teaching would standardize and increase efficacy of CVC care discharge teaching conducted by nurses and improve BMT patient and caregiver knowledge and comfort level with CVC care.

Central venous catheter (CVC) manipulation and care puts patients at risk of acquiring central-line associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs). Thus it is imperative that caregivers receive standardized education, which takes into account varied learning needs. Research in patient care settings has shown that in addition to traditional patient education methods, videos can provide standardized education and improve both patient knowledge and satisfaction with learning. The current practice at this Academic Medical Facility’s Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) program provides patients and caregivers with a written BMT manual describing CVC care, CVC care class, and verbal CVC care teaching prior to discharge.

Methods, Intervention, & Analysis

BMT patients and caregivers that received discharge teaching were surveyed to assess their comfort level and knowledge of their CVC care. In addition, nurses who performed CVC care discharge teaching with BMT patients were surveyed regarding their teaching content and procedure. A pilot instructional video demonstrating all aspects of CVC care was developed using current standards. The video was shown to BMT patients and caregivers with pre- and post-surveys assessing knowledge and comfort level with CVC care.

Findings & Interpretation

The nurse surveys as well the patient and caregiver surveys revealed both knowledge and practice discrepancies. The pre- and post-surveys showed an increase in both CVC care knowledge and comfort level following the viewing of the pilot instructional video.

Discussion & Implications

The addition of an instructional video to the current CVC care teaching process will provide standardized CVC care education for patients and caregivers. The video will also ensure that multiple preferred learning methods are being utilized. This is essential in reducing the risk of CVC complications, improving patient knowledge, and increasing patient comfort with CVC care.