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

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.

Automated summary

The study aimed to quantify the impact of relocating IV pumps for COVID-19 patients from bedside to outside the patient room on nurse exposure to COVID-19 and conservation of PPE. Results show a significant reduction in nurse entries into patient rooms following the relocation, suggesting a decrease in PPE utilization. Further prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the full impact of this strategy.