Article type
Year
Abstract
Background
The extent of evidence utilisation in practice depends on the priority of the chosen topic, the availability of evidence, the way it is adapted to specific local contexts, and implementation strategies. Numerous patient safety alerts have been issued regarding the placement of nasogastric tubes (NGTs) in hospital and community settings. Verifying NGT placement remains the most pressing issue and a priority area for quality improvement in clinical settings.
Objectives and methods
To support continuous quality improvement, advance priority research, and translate evidence into policy and practice, Cochrane Hong Kong, in collaboration with Nursing Section of Hospital Authority Hong Kong, has undertaken a project aimed at synthesising evidence and transferring knowledge about NGT placement verification. We conducted a systematic review to review the diagnostic accuracy of end-tidal carbon dioxide detection in determining inadvertent airway intubation and verifying correct placement of NGTs. Sixteen studies were analysed, and the review suggests colorimetric capnometry and capnography may be of comparable diagnostic accuracy to radiography in their ability to differentiate between respiratory and gastrointestinal tube placement in critically ill adult patients. A prospective observational diagnostic study is currently underway in 21 acute, subacute, convalescent, and extended care hospitals (18 emergency departments, 13 intensive care units, and 8 general medical and geriatric wards) to assess the sensitivity and specificity of using capnography in detecting the correct placement of NGTs using the reference standards of radiography and measurement of aspirates for pH value. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the capnography test will be calculated with reference to a combination of x-ray and aspirate pH test.
Significance and Impact
Misplaced NGTs have detrimental effects, and, in most cases, NGTs are placed in the respiratory tract, which causes serious respiratory complications. Using the findings of this study, the Hospital Authority Hong Kong will update clinical practice guidelines regarding NGT placements in acute and rehabilitative settings. The purpose of this presentation is to illustrate how the research sector and health services (including frontline nurses, nurse consultants, nurse managers, and policymakers) can work together to strengthen collaborations in evidence synthesis and knowledge translation.
The extent of evidence utilisation in practice depends on the priority of the chosen topic, the availability of evidence, the way it is adapted to specific local contexts, and implementation strategies. Numerous patient safety alerts have been issued regarding the placement of nasogastric tubes (NGTs) in hospital and community settings. Verifying NGT placement remains the most pressing issue and a priority area for quality improvement in clinical settings.
Objectives and methods
To support continuous quality improvement, advance priority research, and translate evidence into policy and practice, Cochrane Hong Kong, in collaboration with Nursing Section of Hospital Authority Hong Kong, has undertaken a project aimed at synthesising evidence and transferring knowledge about NGT placement verification. We conducted a systematic review to review the diagnostic accuracy of end-tidal carbon dioxide detection in determining inadvertent airway intubation and verifying correct placement of NGTs. Sixteen studies were analysed, and the review suggests colorimetric capnometry and capnography may be of comparable diagnostic accuracy to radiography in their ability to differentiate between respiratory and gastrointestinal tube placement in critically ill adult patients. A prospective observational diagnostic study is currently underway in 21 acute, subacute, convalescent, and extended care hospitals (18 emergency departments, 13 intensive care units, and 8 general medical and geriatric wards) to assess the sensitivity and specificity of using capnography in detecting the correct placement of NGTs using the reference standards of radiography and measurement of aspirates for pH value. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the capnography test will be calculated with reference to a combination of x-ray and aspirate pH test.
Significance and Impact
Misplaced NGTs have detrimental effects, and, in most cases, NGTs are placed in the respiratory tract, which causes serious respiratory complications. Using the findings of this study, the Hospital Authority Hong Kong will update clinical practice guidelines regarding NGT placements in acute and rehabilitative settings. The purpose of this presentation is to illustrate how the research sector and health services (including frontline nurses, nurse consultants, nurse managers, and policymakers) can work together to strengthen collaborations in evidence synthesis and knowledge translation.