Needlefree Connectors: Clinical Evidence that Demands a Verdict!

Speaker: Nancy Trick, RN, CRNI, VA-BC

Program Overview

The 2016 INS Standards of Practice state; ‘needleless connectors are potential sites for intraluminal microbial contamination and require careful adherence to infection prevention practices. There is no consensus on the design or type of needleless connector to prevent or reduce VAD-related bloodstream infection. Additionally, device design that produces the least amount of thrombotic VAD lumen occlusion remains controversial and requires further study’.  This fifty minute presentation will review multiple levels of current evidence-based outcome studies describing the clinical and economic impact for several differently designed needle-free connectors. A call to action will be issued calling for inclusion and consideration of this evidence when considering the right NFC for the right patient, at the right time. 

Objectives

1.     List six levels of scientific evidence used for writing the 2016 INS Standards of Practice

2.     Discuss the implication of ‘no consensus’ on applied practices used to deliver infusion therapies

3.     Compare and contrast current third party clinical evidence describing outcomes related to needle-free connectors

4.     Consider different design features of needleless connectors and the impact on catheter occlusion and microbial ingress

Sponsor: BD (thank you!)

* Please join us for cocktails from 5:30 pm to 6pm on the day of the event.