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Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8791-3691
Date Available
7-29-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
DNP Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
College
Nursing
Department/School/Program
Nursing
Faculty
Dr. Candice Falls
Committee Member
Dr. Jill Clemmons
Faculty
Dr. Melissa Czarapata
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cardiac implantable electronic device infections remain a serious complication of permanent pacemaker implantation despite evidence-based infection prevention guidelines.
Local Problem
An academic electrophysiology laboratory identified inconsistent guideline-concordant antibiotic selection despite consistently high compliance with recommended antibiotic timing.
Methods
A nurse-led, quasi-experimental pre-post quality improvement project evaluated implementation of a standardized preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis protocol. Data from 36 permanent pacemaker implantations (16 pre-intervention, 20 postintervention) were analyzed.
Interventions
The intervention included a standardized antibiotic protocol, multidisciplinary staff education, and performance feedback.
Results
Guideline-concordant antibiotic selection improved from 37.5% to 95.0% (χ² = 11.27, P = .001). Antibiotic timing remained above 95%, and the mean post-education knowledge assessment score was 98%.
Conclusions
Standardizing antibiotic prophylaxis improved adherence to evidence-based practice and supported antimicrobial stewardship in the electrophysiology laboratory.
Recommended Citation
Kaup, James, "Improving Compliance with Preoperative Antibiotic Protocols for Cardiac Implanted Electronic Devices: A Quality Improvement Project" (2026). DNP Projects. 522.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/dnp_etds/522
