Protective device for intravenous therapy

Most of hospitalized patients receive intravenous therapy. Many of them, especially the elderly, present episodes of disorientation and / or agitation in which they tend to grab and tear off venous lines as they perceive them as a foreign element and a threat. This situation represents serious problems for the patients, since they can harm themselves or it is necessary to channel another venous line. The latter may be less harmful but implies a new puncture resulting in pain. When it is not possible to avoid the patient’s pulling, a common solution is to resort to restraints on the patients' hands. This circumstance dehumanizes health care and has a high emotional impact for patients, families and nurses. For nursing, this whole situation leads to an increase in the workload, a greater difficulty in finding intravenous lines as venous access runs out, and an important ethical dilemma between the healthcare that the patient requires and their right to autonomy. Researchers from a Spanish university working in infusion therapy have developed an easy-to-use device. This new device protects the patient from self-harm or accidents and facilitates access and manipulation of venous lines, stopcocks, manifolds, syringes and any other equipment for administration of fluid therapy. Its design has taken into account comfort and ergonomics to avoid injuries caused by prolonged use, with special attention to manufacturing materials. These materials are reusable and easy to disinfect and sterilize, reducing medical waste and contributing to circular economy. The university would like to reach license agreements with companies operating in those sectors where health-related elements or devices are manufactured, with the aim to develop applications of the described technology.