BD webinar: Safe connections webinar: open vs closed IV access (January 2024)

Summary

Connections are critical junctures and points of access along intravenous (IV) lines. Microorganisms may colonise these connections, potentially leading to catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). For patients, CRBSIs are a significant cause of morbidity and death, and for healthcare facilities these infectious complications lead to unnecessary costs.

Safe connections may help reduce the risk of needlestick injuries for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the occurrence of CRBSIs for patients. In this webinar recording, Nancy Trick, Registered Nurse and Adjunct Instructor at Perdue Global University in West Lafayette, USA, discusses CRBSIs and presents solutions to help prevent them.

After watching this webinar, you should be able to:

• describe open versus closed infusion systems in VAM.
• briefly discuss the clinical risks of open infusion systems.
• discuss clinical practice change.
• consider how evidence-based standards of practice recommend using closed IV access/needleless connectors.