Uses Of Statistical Information

Running head: USES OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Uses of Statistical Information

Sandra L. Berrier

University of Phoenix

Statistical Applications

HCS 438

Lynn Bertsch, Ph.D.(ABD), MBA, MSN

Jun 12, 2006

Uses of Statistical Information

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. Peaks, 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). What are the statistics used to describe the information that is collected? For example, are there bar charts? Means? Pie Charts? Other visual displays? How are the data analyze? By using t-tests? Correlation measures?

According to Peaks, the only area not being implemented at this time is daily review of line necessity. This component is not being done due to a lack of available personnel and time restraints by available personnel (personal communication, June 8 and 9, 2006).

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an infection of the airway that developed 48 hours or more after the client was intubated (100,000 Lives Campaign, 2006, p. 2). Preventing pneumonia of any type is a primary concern but collecting statistical data for the prevention of VAP is particularly concerning because:

Ð'* "VAP is the leading cause of death among hospital-acquired infections.

Ð'* VAP prolongs time spent on the ventilator, length of ICU stay, and length of hospital stay after discharge from the ICU. How is length of stay measured? Describe this in statistical terms.

Ð'* VAP adds an estimated cost of $40,000 to a typical hospital admission"

(100,000 Lives Campaign, 2006, p. 2).

According to Peaks, 100% of clients on the ventilator in the ICU are potential candidates for developing VAP. The ventilator bundle provided by the 100,000 lives campaign is a group of evidenced-based practices that are being used in the ICU (S. Peaks, personal communication, June 8 and 9, 2006).

The four components to the ventilator bundle are:

1. "Elevation of the head of the bed to between 30 and 45 degrees

2. Daily "sedation vacation" and daily assessment of readiness to extubate

3. Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) prophylaxis

4. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis (unless contraindicated)"

(100,000 Lives Campaign, 2006, p. 3). This is good information, but the goal is to analyze the statistics used to analyze the information.

Elevation of the head to 30 degrees has been a part of the ongoing trials to help decrease the incidence of VAP among the client population in the ICU according to Peaks. Both respiratory and nursing staff has been educated on