CLABSI Infections & Nursing Theory

The nursing field continually seeks to find ways to strengthen the validity of the profession and clinical practice relevance. Given the problematic aspects of certain effects of medical setting quality, there needs to be a significant examination and analysis of what can be done to prevent health risks such as CLABSIs. One theory that will assist the profession in getting ahold of the problems that undeniably occur with CLABSI is the system model.

The System Model was developed by Betty Newman and its main focus is to understand the client system response to environmental stressors and prevent additional problems as a result. Newman stressed that each client was specifically unique and while there was no usual response because of this, she proposed that a basic structure could be implemented that included prevention on primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Clinical assessment and intervention on the primary level, additional intervention on the noxious effects of stressors at the secondary level and maintenance at the tertiary level (Olin, 2011).

In viewing this theory from the perspective of CLABSI, education seems to be the driving factor behind both the patient's family (as the patient themselves are neonates in most instances) and the medical arena for which the bloodstream infection is obtained (Pintar, 2013). Therefore, based on the System Model, hospitals and medical settings will need to cohesively put together effective procedures that assist in the speedy recovery of patients by anticipating issues that could potentially occur from CLABSI infections. Additionally, patient's families must be educated on the problems of CLABSI infection so they can anticipate neonatal needs and demands that pertain to prevent further complications.

Within this project, there will need to be an emphasis not only on data pertaining to the CLABSI infection problem but preventative measures specifically adhered to the Newman nursing theory and how the System Model can hopefully combat future issues regarding neonatal infections via insertion during catheter use.

References

Olin, J. (2011, September 12). 7 Nursing Theories To Practice By. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from central website: http://www.rncentral.com/blog/2011/7-nursing-theories-to-practice-by/

Pintar, P. A. (2013, May). An entrepreneurial innovative role: integration of the clinical nurse specialist and infection prevention professional. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 27(3), 123-127. doi:10.1097/NUR.0b013e31828c8391