Kimberly-Clark launches new KimVent* oral care kits as an additional VAP prevention measure
14.07.2011 10:44
Kimberly-Clark's new oral care kits are tailored to meet different needs and comply with hospital protocols for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
The new solutions include four different KimVent* oral care sets designed to minimize VAP risk factors through flexible, easy-to-use tools for effective oral hygiene. Studies have shown that appropriate oral hygiene measures can reduce the oral bacterial colonization of the mouth and thereby prevent the spread of infectious germs from the oral cavity into the lower respiratory tract.1,2
However, regular oral care can be challenging for the busy intensive care unit staff. The KimVent* oral care kits were developed in direct collaboration with caregivers to make it easier to adhere to regular oral care. In addition, Kimberly-Clark offers a comprehensive training package associated with the kits to promote adherence to oral care protocols and thereby the best possible patient care.
The KimVent* Q4 is available for long-term ventilated patients with an increased risk of VAP
24 hour oral care set. This contains the full range of oral care products in one procedure kit including suction catheters, Yankauer with protective cover and two toothbrushes. The tight, easy-to-tear packaging serves as a workstation. The Q4 set includes everything in accordance with the recently published VAP guidelines3 necessary tools to carry out dental care twice a day.
The complete, medium and basic oral care sets are in smaller packaging. They have been compiled in such a way that they contain the appropriate products for the oral care of mechanically ventilated patients according to the existing VAP risk.
The Complete Oral Care Set contains the full range of oral care products for patients on long-term ventilation. The medium standard oral care set was designed for patients receiving care according to standard oral care protocols. It includes a Yankauer with a protective cover to remove stubborn secretions. For patients in ventilator weaning or with limited ventilation, the basic oral care kit includes a suction swab pack and a dental cleaning pack to remove limited secretions.
The oral care kits are part of the Kimberly-Clark KimVent* VAP solution package, designed to address multiple VAP risk factors. The product range includes the KimVent* closed suction systems for suctioning secretions from the airways without interrupting the ventilation circuit, the KimVent* Microcuff* endotracheal tubes for reducing the passage of potentially infectious secretions into the lungs, and the KimVent* Bal-Cath* system for simply being at the bedside bronchoalveolar lavage to be carried out on the patient for improved diagnostics and the new KimVent* MAP closed suction system with multi-purpose connection, which enables medical staff to carry out suction and other procedures such as bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchoscopies or medication administration via a metered dose inhaler while maintaining the closed ventilation circuit.
Healthcare organizations, healthcare professionals, and clinical researchers have concluded that developing and implementing an oral care protocol in ventilated patients is an important measure to prevent VAP. Kimberly-Clark is committed to providing a comprehensive range of products, education, on-site training and compliance programs to help ICUs protect their patients from VAP.
Literature:
1 Senol G, MD et al. In vitro antibacterial activities of oral care products against ventilator-associated pneumonia pathogens. Study presented at the 6th Congress of the IFIC, October 13=-16, 2005 in Istanbul, Turkey. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.doi:10.1016/ajic.2006.10.016
2 Abidis, RF. Oral care in the intensive care unit: A review. J. Contemp Dent Pract 2007 January;(8)1.076-082.
3 Department of Health. High Impact Interventions: Care Bundle to Reduce Ventilator Associated Pneumonia 2011