Engagement of Frontline Staff and Implementation of a Novel Needleless Connector Results in a Decrease in Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Aug. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Central lines are a common device in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and oncology patients; however, their use can increase the risk of bloodstream infections. Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) results in an extended length of stay, increased cost, and a 25 percent higher risk of mortality. Consistently following evidence-based guidelines may lead to a reduction of this risk. A team at Renown Regional Medical Center, in Reno, Nev., led by Amy McCombs, MSN, RN, CNML, CIC, sought to reduce CLABSI rates for their highest acuity patients. Renown Regional Medical Center is an 808-bed tertiary care center and Level II trauma center.

The implementation of a novel needleless connector impregnated with chlorhexidine and silver ions and discontinuation of passive alcohol disinfection caps in combination with the development of an IP (Infection Prevention) Champion Education program resulted in an overall reduction in CLABSI's by 30 percent in high-risk populations (Critical Care and Oncology patients). The CLABSI rate also dropped facility-wide by 41 percent; occlusion rates decreased by 47 percent. These positive results led to the facility-wide conversion to the novel needleless connectors for all peripheral and central lines and the extension of the IP Champion Education Program to ensure consistent application of best practices. Renown Regional Medical Center cares for a high acuity population and thanks to these changes is now well below national benchmarks for CLABSI. The successful outcomes demonstrate that engagement of frontline staff, consistent use of best practices and evaluation of crucial supplies is the pathway to the elimination of CLABSI. This data was presented at the 45th Annual APIC Annual Conference as a poster presentation in June 2018.

The APIC 2018 45th Annual Conference is one of the most comprehensive infection prevention conferences in the world, with more than 100 educational sessions and programs led by experts from across the globe and attended by nearly 5,000 professionals. The conference aims to provide infection preventionists, physicians, researchers, epidemiologists, educators, administrators and medical technologists with strategies that can be implemented immediately to improve prevention programs and make healthcare safer.

RyMed Technologies. LLC specializes in the development and marketing of innovative safety products in the field of intravenous catheter care and maintenance management. RyMed manufactures and distributes the InVision-Plus CS® Needleless Connector with Chlorhexidine and Silver Ions and the InVision-Plus® with Neutral Advantage Technology. RyMed's Neutral Advantage Technology is the foundation of all InVision-Plus® products; it consists of a 10-Point Standard, ten features designed to inhibit bacterial migration into the fluid pathway and blood reflux upon connection and disconnection which may improve patient outcomes. RyMed is headed by its President/CEO Dana Wm. Ryan, who is a pioneer in "safety-oriented" medical product design, and creator of the InVision-Plus® technologies.

If you would like more information about this poster presentation or the RyMed InVision-Plus CS® Needleless Connector, please call Todd Adamson at 615-790-8093, or email tadamson(at)rymedtech.com

SOURCE Renown Regional Medical Center