Ms Anna Lillas1, Ms Deborah Rhodes1
1Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, Australia
Biography:
Anna Lillas is a CNC with six years experience in IPC.
With a nursing background in haematology and oncology, they developed a strong passion for aseptic technique and vascular device management. Driven by innovation and creativity, they are constantly exploring new and engaging approaches to improve and enhance IPC practices.
Abstract:
Introduction
PIVCs are commonly placed invasive devices in healthcare, associated with risk of infection. The aim of this project was to ensure timely removal of PIVCs.
Background
An increase in PIVC-associated Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) was observed in our maternity patients. Our SAB Rate per 10,000 occupied bed days increased from 0.5 in 2023/24 to 0.9 in 2024/25. Investigations found gaps in documenting PIVC assessments and PIVCs remaining in-situ for >72 hours.
Method
Using the EMR we developed PIVC reports. Where a PIVC was indwelling >72 hours IPC messaged the clinician to: remove, re-site, update documentation if removed, or obtain documented medical authorisation for 24 hours additional dwell-time, as per the organisation’s guideline.
In addition, a weekly audit of PIVC documentation was conducted throughout inpatients departments, infographic results were fed back to managers, for midday handover. Criteria included insertion reason, number of insertion attempts, if indwelling >72 hours, documented as assessed each shift and if PIVC used <24 hours. Where PIVCs weren’t documented as assessed, messages were sent to the clinician advising assessment and documentation.
Concurrently, SAB events and surveillance data was provided to clinical teams and the director of maternity alerted clinicians of the PIVC-associated SAB increase by letter.
Results
During 2025 we have not reported any PIVC-associated SABs.
Conclusions
Messages were well-received prompting response and action. This initiative demonstrates messages as an accessible instrument for communicating Nano learnings, effective in eliciting behavioural change. It was evident this age-old problem, for this young age population, required modern age solutions.