Is anyone aware of any empirical evidence/white papers/research studies related to the importance/value of maintaining a "closed system", as it relates to IV Therapy?
About 10 years ago, I gave a presentation for a BD theater at NAVAN (see how old this is) on the concept of closed systems. I have seen a couple of studies since then from other countries but nothing else. There is no official definition of a closed system. I can be applied to the fluid container (plastic bag would be closed vs a glass bottle), the IV administration sets (those without injection sites would be closed), and the catheter itself (those with a permanently attached extension set are labeled as closed). The studies I have seen are from Mexico and compare the lower infection rates from closed fluid containers. Lynn
About 10 years ago, I gave a presentation for a BD theater at NAVAN (see how old this is) on the concept of closed systems. I have seen a couple of studies since then from other countries but nothing else. There is no official definition of a closed system. I can be applied to the fluid container (plastic bag would be closed vs a glass bottle), the IV administration sets (those without injection sites would be closed), and the catheter itself (those with a permanently attached extension set are labeled as closed). The studies I have seen are from Mexico and compare the lower infection rates from closed fluid containers. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861