88 Blood Cultures on a Cardiothoracic Surgery Ward- a Quality Improvement Project

Abstract Aim Blood cultures are an important practice when patients spike temperatures, allowing treatment to be targeted and rationalised. However, often it is missed or forgotten about a patient unwell. The aims of this project were: look at the rate blood being taken after patient’s spiked temperatures try improve on these rates with education. Method All ward had their observation charts examined. Any temperature 38 degrees more was noted down seen whether been taken. Nurse led education then occurred between each cycle data collection. Three cycles 10 were collected. Results In first only 20% After nurse education, improved 30% patients. A crib sheet when/why should distributed nursing staff ward. final results showed improvement 60% having Conclusions Educating should/shouldn’t why has significant proportion pyrexic there still room for future work done continue compliance