Comparative Analysis of Intravenous Pumps Relocation for Critically Ill Isolated COVID-19 Patients From Bedside to Outside the Patient Room

Abstract

Objectives:

To quantify the impact of IV pump relocation for COVID-19 patients from the bedside to outside the patient room on nurse exposure to COVID-19 and conservation of PPE.

Design:

Original Article

Setting:

Intensive care units at a single-center teaching hospital.

Patients:

Critically ill COVID-19 patients under contact and special droplet precautions.

Interventions:

Relocation of intravenous pumps for COVID-19 patients from bedside to outside the patient room using extension tubing.

Measurements and Main Results:

The primary objective of the study was to measure the impact of this strategy on COVID-19 exposure, utilizing the number of nurse entries into the patient room as a surrogate endpoint, and extrapolation of this data to determine the reduction or PPE usage. Secondary endpoints included incidence of extravasation, hyperglycemia, hypotension, and diagnosis of CLABSI/bacteremia. A statistically significant reduction in the primary endpoint of the study was observed as room entries prior to pump relocation averaged 15.36 (± 4.10) as opposed to an average of 7.92 (± 2.19) following pump relocation (p < 0.0001). In both pre- and post-pump relocation groups, there was no incidence of extravasation or CLABSI. No significant differences were noted in number of patients experiencing hyperglycemia, hypotensive episodes, or bacteremia.

Conclusions:

There was a significant decrease in COVID-19 exposure based on the number of nurse entries following the relocation of intravenous pumps from inside to outside of the patient room. These results may be cautiously extrapolated to suggest a decrease in personal protective equipment utilization. Future prospective, randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of this strategy are required.

Keywords

coronavirus COVID-19 infusion pumps relocation personal protective equipment (PPE)

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