A recent article from The Times of Northwest Indiana examined the rate of infection in Methodist Hospitals with the use of widespread IV disinfection caps. The study took place over a 21-month frame and reduced the bloodstream infection rate to nearly half of what it was.
The hospital implemented a new device called SwabCap the protects the IV by continuously submersing it in alcohol. Prior to this application, bedside nurses were instructed to wipe the IV hub with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry. Due to the human element, this process was done differently by every nurse and didn’t reach it’s potential efficiency. The SwabCap is left on the IV hub and keeps it protected, maximizing infection prevention.
The simple practice of hand hygiene, strict aseptic technique, care and maintenance policies are important in prevention of infection and can be implemented in your practice bundle.
