The Auckland City Hospital Device Point Prevalence Survey 2005: utilisation and infectious complications of intravascular and urinary devices.

BACKGROUND

In November 2005 a point prevalence survey of all inpatients at Auckland City Hospital was conducted to define the utilisation of intravascular and urinary devices; to measure the prevalence of infectious complications from these devices; and to provide quality assurance information about the use of these devices.

METHODS

All 830 inpatients admitted on a single day under paediatric; adult medical; adult surgical, and women's health were visited by a member of the survey team and data regarding devices in situ was collected.

RESULTS

Intravenous (IV) devices were present in 376/830 patients (45%; 95%CI 42-49), and 25/830 (3%; CI 2-4) had either confirmed infection or showed signs of infection. 33/830 patients (4%; CI 3-6) had intravascular devices in situ that were not required. Urinary devices were present in 93/830 patients (11%; CI 9-13), and 13/91 (14%; CI 8-23) had bacteriuria. A large proportion of urinary devices (19/91, 21%; CI 13-31) were found to have been inserted for inappropriate reasons.

CONCLUSION

This study provides information on the current utilisation of devices in our hospital that can be extrapolated to other public hospitals in New Zealand. Healthcare workers require ongoing education to ensure prompt removal of devices that are not required for patient care.