Comparison of single-patient use, and multi-patient use fabric tourniquets with a silicone reusable tourniquet (DaisyGrip) in an Australian tertiary hospital
Kate Ryan1, , 1Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
Introduction
Reusable tourniquets are frequently colonised with organisms that may be harmful to patients. A silicone-based tourniquet (ST) was trialed to assess if it is fit-for-purpose and able to be cleaned effectively, compared to existing fabric tourniquets (FT).
Method
Five areas were selected for trial. A Microsoft Forms survey was distributed to staff who used existing FTs. Education sessions were conducted prior to the introduction of the ST. All other tourniquets were removed from use prior to introduction of ST. A post-intervention survey was distributed to staff, followed by a focus group with trial area leads to determine future directions post the one-month trial.
Results
Pre-trial (n=130) and post-trial (n=124) surveys were compared for usability, sustainability, and cleanability of the tourniquets. Comparison of tourniquets indicated staff considered the FT easier of use (FT-81% vs ST-48%). However, the ST was considered more environmentally sustainable (FT-43% vs ST-77%), better able to be cleaned effectively (FT-45% vs ST-79%), and better able to be cleaned easily between patients (FT-48% vs ST-82%). When requested for a single choice, the ST was preferred over the FTs.
Discussion
The focus group identified that staff are very conscious of the environmental impact of single-use items, and the need to thoroughly clean reusable devices to protect patients. However, it was strongly suspected that staff were re-using the single-patient use FT prior to the trial. As a result, the ST that met cleanability and sustainability needs was prioritised over the FT even though the FT was deemed easier to use.
Biography
Kate Ryan started her Infection Control life with Hand Hygiene Australia which helped develop a passion for patient safety and IPC. She has completed the Foundations course, and recently her Graduate Certificate in Infection Control. She now has a focus on reusable medical devices and the importance of reprocessing these appropriately for patient safety.