What is Statistics?
"Statistics is a mathematical science pertaining to collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data" (Wikipedia contributors, 2006). Statistics are a valuable kind of information because they can provide data for making comparisons and determining trends. There are many uses for statistics, "but perhaps its most important purpose is to help us make good decisions about issues that involve uncertainty" (Bennett, Briggs, & Triola, 2003, p. 8).
Kinds of Statistical Information Collected in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
There are two primary areas of statistical information collected in the ICU. These two areas are:
1.Central line infections
2.Ventilator associated pneumonias (VAP)
Central Line Infections
Central venous catheters (CVCs) are being used with increasing frequency in the ICU to provide long-term venous access. The goal of collecting statistical information in regard to CVCs is for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Approximately 95% percent of clients in the ICU have CVCs in place and are potential candidates for catheter- related bloodstream infections (S.
Yak Peak
Peak Tor, Rowsley, Derbyshire
Bouns Corner/Peak Tor, Rowsley, DerbyshirePeaks, personal communication, June 8 and 9, 2006).
There are five components to the central line bundle:
1."Hand hygiene
2.Maximal barrier precautions
3.Chlorhexidine skin antisepsis
4.Optimal catheter site selection, with subclavian vein as the preferred site for non-tunneled catheters
5.Daily review of line necessity, with prompt removal of unnecessary lines"
(100,000 Lives Campaign, 2006, p. 3).
According to Peaks, interventions from the central line bundle, resourced from the 100,000 lives campaign is being used in order to provide better outcomes for clients with CVCs. Strict compliance with hand hygiene, maximal barrier precautions (cap, mask, sterile gown and gloves), use of Chlorhexidine skin antisepsis, and catheter site selection are all being used in the ICU according to Peaks (personal communication, June 8 and 9, 2006).
According to Peaks, the...