A Preliminary Evaluation of a Needleless IV Access System at the Gold Coast Hospital, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

This paper reports a preliminary evaluation of a Needleless IV Access System implemented at a 500 bed teaching hospital in the South Coast Region of Queensland, Australia. The system was introduced in April 1994 in an attempt to provide a safer working environment for both healthcare workers and patients. This paper reports primarily on IV related needlestick injuries, central venous catheter (CVC) tip infections and the incidence of bacteremia from all positive CVC tips cultured before and after system implementation. The following trends emerged: a significant reduction in IV related needlestick injuries; a significant reduction in CVC tip infections; and no significant reduction in the incidence of bacteremia from all positive CVC tips cultured. Included are the results of a healthcare worker survey relating to satisfaction with the new needleless system. The majority assessed the new system to be 'much improved' compared with the previous needle system. The new system performed well overall and has several benefits for the healthcare worker, patient and the organisation. Areas for further research include costs related to purchase of the system and estimated offset savings.