Patient experience of hospital screening for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: a qualitative study

Caroline King, Tracyanne Grandison, Julie Cawthorne , Kay Currie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)
262 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Aim
To explore patients' accounts of screening and being managed for colonisation with the antimicrobial resistant organism, carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), when in hospital.

Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been identified as one of the biggest global health challenges of the 21st Century. As the threat from AMR grows, screening to identify patients who are colonised with resistant organisms such as CPE is becoming an increasingly important aspect of nursing practice, in order to reduce risk of transmission of infection within hospitals. There is currently little research evidence on the patient experience of hospital management of CPE colonisation.

Methods
Qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken, using a topic guide. Nine patients participated in the study. The data were analysed thematically, and rigour was maintained through peer review. The COREQ checklist was used.

Results
Two main themes were identified: “I can't make sense of CPE,” illustrating limitations in patients' understandings of CPE; and, “I feel as if they are saying it is my fault,” indicating the feelings of responsibility and blame which patients experienced.

Conclusions
This paper contributes original evidence to the limited literature on patients' experiences of being colonised with CPE. The findings suggest that support and information provided for patients by healthcare professionals needs to be based on current evidence-based guidance on the nature of CPE and its implications for patient care, as well as being responsive to patients' emotional needs.

Relevance to clinical practice
This study has international relevance for nursing practice. As the global threat of AMR grows, the demands on healthcare providers to manage resistant organisms and their implications for patient care within healthcare settings are increasing. Enabling healthcare professionals to engage sensitively with patients being managed for colonisation with CPE is paramount to providing patient-centred care.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3890-3900
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing
Volume28
Issue number21-22
Early online date26 Jul 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2019

Keywords

  • patient experience
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • hospital screening
  • qualitative
  • infection prevention and control
  • carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing

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