Figure 1
Factors to consider for reduction of the risk of VAIs
| Technique factors | Personal factors |
|---|---|
| Insertion technique | Patient scratching the wound |
| Tunnelling recommended | Confused pt touching the EVD /EVD site. |
| Type of catheter | Patient dislodging or removing the drain |
| Antibiotic impregnated or non-antibiotic impreg- | |
| Dressing used | Patient removing the dressing |
| Clear dressing with chlorhexidine disc and tape around outside with dressing changed every 7 days. | |
| Or assess the use of 2 octyl cyanoacrylate glue | |
| Sampling technique | Minimise touching of drain or wound |
| Port - distal | |
| Drip method | |
| Closed system syringe method | |
| Open system syringe method | |
| Sterile field | |
| Sterile gloves | |
| 2% chlorhexidine and 70% alcohol – wand or swab | |
| Gel hands or wear gloves when touching the wound or drain | To avoid cross contamination and reduce the risk of infection |