The following documents are available to download:
- Good Practice Standards
- Chest Drain Bedside Observation Chart
- Post Procedure Management Plan
- Patient Information Leaflet
Context of Resources
These resources were developed through a multidisciplinary working group which included the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists (ARNS) in support of the National Patient Safety Alert ‘Deterioration due to rapid offload of pleural effusion fluid from chest drains’ (NatPSA number NatPSA/2020/008/NHSPS).
The resources will provide staff with exemplar documentation to support the patient journey throughout their chest drain management. Safe bedside observation will help staff recognise and deal with complications and deliver safe and effective patient care. Clear communication and appropriate patient information will also empower patients to be fully informed about their chest drain care.
Author: Maria Parsonage RN, BSc, MSc, V300 – Nurse Consultant in Respiratory Medicine
NatPSA publication: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/12/deterioration-due-to-rapid-offload-of-pleural-effusion-fluid-from-chest-drains/