Getting Ahead of HAIs: Quick Observation Tools for HAI Prevention

In October of 2018, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) working together with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a series of Quick Observation Tools (QUOTs) to assist healthcare facilities in their infection prevention initiatives.[1] The tools, available for free download here, enable rapid assessment and remediation…

Quality Improvement Initiative Findings: Vascular Access Device Dressing Adhesion and Infection Rates

Vascular Access Devices and Dressing Adherence The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) agree that vascular access device (VAD) dressing integrity is a critical factor for the prevention of hospital‐ acquired infection. [1,2] In fact, dressing disruption is a major risk factor for central line‐associated bloodstream infections…

“Stressing the Dressing: Reducing Vascular Access Device Complications”

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) agree that vascular access device (VAD) dressing integrity is a critical factor for the prevention of hospital-acquired infection.1,2 Russell Nassof, JD, founder of RiskNomics, discusses the importance of common sense in evidenced-based medicine, the issue of dressing disruption, the prominence…

Evidence-Based Decision Making for the Prevention of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections and Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injuries

While catheters provide numerous benefits to their users, there can be a health burden associated with their use, as they may promote catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI*) and medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs). A publication reviewing the qualitative and quantitative evidence supporting the use of Detachol® Liquid Adhesive for the reduction of CRBSI and MARSI can…

Mastisol® Liquid Adhesive: Evidence‐Based Decision Making for the Prevention of Catheter‐Related Blood Stream Infections

The public health burden associated with catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CRBSI*) is substantial. A publication reviewing the qualitative and quantitative evidence supporting the use of Mastisol® Liquid Adhesive for the reduction of CRBSI can be downloaded here. In this blog, we’ll review the important findings detailed in this publication. CRBSI vs CLABSI These two…

Addressing the Dressing: Improving Vascular Access Dressing Disruption

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) agree that vascular access device (VAD) dressing integrity is a critical factor for the prevention of hospital acquired infection. Michelle DeVries, BS, MPH, CIC, VA-BC, Senior Infection Control Officer at Methodist Hospitals, Indiana, reviews current practice guidelines, the emerging literature, and her…