The impetus of this revision was the request from Temple T3 Transport team for a Curos protector cap on the port of a patient who was being transferred out of the outpatient chemotherapy infusion center. Unknowing what a disinfecting port protector, initiated a literature review by clinical staff nurses Dawn Papeika, RN, BSN, OCN, and Debra Dombroski, RN, BSN, OCN. Dawn and Debra wanted to ensure that the best evidenced-based practices were being used when starting IV’s, accessing ports and giving IV fluids and medications. …show more content…
Education was provided during staff meetings in which EBP of handwashing, aseptic technique, and proper antisepsis of skin and IV hubs was discussed. A representative from the Curos Company provide the staff with an in-service on proper use of disinfecting port protectors. A poster presentation was provided as a visual reminder of proper technique. Unit clutter was determined to be one of the factors that limited access to hand soap, alcohol pads and gloves. It was determined that each staff member’s computer on wheels (COW) would be equipped with hand soap in the side pocket and that a supply of gloves would be placed in container in back of “COW”. In addition, small containers were added to the top of the computer in order to hold alcohol pads. These containers were labeled with reminders to “scrub the hub” with a visual depiction to reinforce that “seconds count”. Compliance was measured by observation use of aseptic technique, handwashing before and after procedure, and cleansing and drying times for hubs and skin along with the use of disinfecting port caps. The adoption of an evidenced based standard of care will ensure best patient outcomes. Just as quality and safety are so closely related, so is the importance of providing knowledge and skill in order to provide safety and prevent