Managing Spaghetti Syndrome in Critical Care With a Novel Device: A Nursing Perspective

Jay Haynes; Kelly Bowers; Richard Young; Trudy Sanders; Karen E Schultz

doi:10.4037/ccn2015321

Managing Spaghetti Syndrome in Critical Care With a Novel Device: A Nursing Perspective

Crit Care Nurse. 2015 Dec;35(6):38-45. doi: 10.4037/ccn2015321.

Authors

Jay Haynes¹, Kelly Bowers², Richard Young², Trudy Sanders², Karen E Schultz²

Affiliations

¹ Jay Haynes is the senior medical director for health and wellness, JPS Health Network, John Peter Smith Hospital, Department of Family Medicine, and an adjunct assistant professor, Department of Medical Education, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas.Kelly Bowers is a biostatistician, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center.Richard Young is director of research and associate program director, family medicine residency program, JPS Health Network, and a clinical associate professor of family medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.Trudy Sanders is the vice president of patient care services, JPS Health Network.Karen E. Schultz is a research assistant and epidemiologist in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. [email protected].
² Jay Haynes is the senior medical director for health and wellness, JPS Health Network, John Peter Smith Hospital, Department of Family Medicine, and an adjunct assistant professor, Department of Medical Education, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas.Kelly Bowers is a biostatistician, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center.Richard Young is director of research and associate program director, family medicine residency program, JPS Health Network, and a clinical associate professor of family medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.Trudy Sanders is the vice president of patient care services, JPS Health Network.Karen E. Schultz is a research assistant and epidemiologist in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.

PMID: 26628544
DOI: 10.4037/ccn2015321

Abstract

Background: Managing "spaghetti syndrome," the tangle of therapeutic cables, tubes, and cords at patients' bedsides, can be challenging.

Objectives: To assess nurses' perceptions of the effectiveness of a novel banding device in management of spaghetti syndrome.

Methods: A simple color-coded elastomeric banding strap with ribbed flaps was attached to bed rails of adult critical care patients to help organize therapeutic cables, tubes, wires, and cords. Nurses were surveyed before and after use of the bands and after the nursing shift to assess the burden of spaghetti syndrome and the effectiveness of using the bands.

Results: Use of the bands decreased the time spent untangling cords, reduced the frequency of contact of tubing with the floor, and diminished disruptions in care.

Conclusions: Use of a simple flexible latex-free elastomeric band may help organize therapeutic tubing at patients' bedsides and may promote improvements in nursing care.

MeSH terms

Critical Care Nursing / methods*
Humans