Development of a Protocol for Use of a Vascular Access Protective Device to Prevent Self-Injection

BACKGROUND: The opioid epidemic has created challenges in treating patients who inject drugs or those who are at risk of overdose due to psychiatric illnesses. Patients who self-inject into their vascular access devices (SIVADs) are at risk of infection, prolonged hospitalization, suboptimal care, overdose, or death. In response to incidents where patients have overdosed by SIVAD, the intravenous (IV) CareLock™ device was developed to prevent patients from accessing their IVs while still allowing providers to administer medications. METHODS: We engaged a multidisciplinary team to analyze mitigation methods and perform a gap analysis to create a comprehensive protocol to reduce SIVAD. RESULTS: A multidisciplinary protocol identified patients at risk of SIVAD to guide the use of our IV CareLock™ device. This protocol prevented SIVAD while allowing providers to continue using the IV. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel device and protocol allowed providers to safely care for at-risk patients, reducing the potential for adverse outcomes.