title: Decreasing central line infections and needlestick injury rates: combining best practice and introducing a luer-activated intravenous therapy system and antimicrobial intravenous connector.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of practice and intravenous (IV) therapy product changes on central line infections (CLIs) and needlestick injuries. Data were collected in 2009 and 2010 for 1 year before and after implementation of practice and product changes. Statistical significance was noted when comparing CLIs before and after implementation of an antimicrobial IV connector. The number of needlestick injuries also decreased by 12% during this time. Study results support ongoing clinical practice monitoring and education as well as the use of a luer-activated IV therapy system and an antimicrobial IV connector.
authors.affiliation: Regional Referral Center/Day Unit, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. kacharron@ottawahospital.on.ca
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Charron
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019985:Benchmarking; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents