Development of a Protocol for Use of a Vascular Access Protective Device to Prevent Self-Injection

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Patient Safety
• Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

• The opioid epidemic presents challenges in managing patients with substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions.
• Patients who self-inject into vascular access devices (SIVADs) face risks including infection, prolonged hospitalization, and overdose.
• The intravenous (IV) CareLock™ device was developed to mitigate SIVAD incidents and prevent patient access to IV lines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a protocol to reduce SIVAD incidents.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the IV CareLock™ device in preventing SIVAD.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team conducted a gap analysis and developed a comprehensive protocol.
• The protocol identified at-risk patients for SIVAD.
• The IV CareLock™ device was integrated into clinical practice.

Main Results:

• The multidisciplinary protocol successfully identified patients at risk of SIVAD.
• The IV CareLock™ device, guided by the protocol, prevented SIVAD.
• Providers could continue administering medications via the IV line.

Conclusions:

• The novel IV CareLock™ device and associated protocol enable safe care for at-risk patients.
• This approach significantly reduces the potential for adverse outcomes related to SIVAD.
• Improved patient safety and reduced healthcare complications were achieved.