In our last blog, we reviewed how standardization of procedure kits can help your facility by increasing overall compliance to best practices. Yet another advantage of procedures kits is the financial benefit. A case in point is a study of phlebitis and infiltration rates within an institution following the conversion to a standard intravenous (IV) start kit, which showed dramatic effects by not only improving outcomes but decreasing costs as well.¹

Nursing departments in this 700-bed facility tested a variety of IV starter kits and determined their best choice for the study. The kit they selected featured a window dressing, a prep of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) with 70% isopropyl alcohol, catheter securement cushions, a tape strip, a 2″ x 2″ gauze pad, a latex-free tourniquet, and an extension set with needleless valve.

Hands-on training in the appropriate use of the kit was provided to hospital staff to achieve consistent usage. Outcomes were monitored by assessing phlebitis and infiltration rates at 6-month intervals on 250 patients per assessment.

The clinical results of implementing a standardized protocol/procedure kit not only met but exceeded the hospital staff’s objectives¹:

• Phlebitis rates were virtually eliminated
• Infiltration rates were zero
• Dwell times were extended from 72 hours to 96 hours

Beyond the beneficial clinical results were multiple cost avoidance advantages ¹:

• Annual real cost savings of 34% ($188,640)
• Nursing time decreased from an average of 25 to 15 minutes per procedure
• Reducing phlebitis rates resulted in lower expenditures and fewer unscheduled restarts
• Extending catheter dwell time protocols saved nursing time and materials
• Standardization reduced risk of costly infections
• No need to hire additional nursing staff

Furthermore, the study resulted in some patient benefits as well ¹:

• Increased comfort (ie, fewer site complications, skin tears, unscheduled restarts)
• Increased safety/lower risk of infection

This study demonstrated that standardization of procedure kits can not only help with overall compliance to best practices, but provide clinical and financial benefits as well. As you determine the appropriate components for your kits (eg, gowns, masks, caps, gloves, drapes, dressings, site prep solutions, etc.), consider the inclusion of Mastisol® Liquid Adhesive and Detachol® Adhesive Remover for any kit containing wound closure tapes or dressings:

• Mastisol® Liquid Adhesive: Reduce the risk of infection by creating a lasting occlusive dressing barrier by incorporating Mastisol®
• Detachol® Adhesive Remover: Miniminze risk of skin injury by implementing Detachol® for safe dressing removal

There are many manufacturers that specialize in providing and customizing kits for facility-specific needs. Mastisol® and Detachol® are available components for many kit manufacturers.

For more information about Mastisol® and Detachol®, please contact your sales consultant or Eloquest Healthcare®, Inc., call 1-877-433-7626 or visit www.eloquesthealthcare.com.

Minimizing infection risk is an essential part of optimizing “The Triple Aim” of the Affordable Care Act. Eloquest Healthcare is committed to providing solutions that can help you reduce risk of conditions like a CAUTI, CLABSI, or SSI.

Come back next time for the first of a 3-part series on catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). You won’t want to miss it!

References

1. Penny-Timmons E. Decreased costs/improved outcomes with standardized intravenous equipment. JAVA. 2005;10(1):20-23.