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HomeGrown Solution: Fill Station for IVs and Flushes

Title

Fill Station for IVs and Flushes

Submitted By

Tammy Wyland

HomeGrown Solution Number

400

Identification of the Problem

In simulation settings, the frequent use of IV bags and flushes leads to significant waste and increased costs. The need for a sustainable and cost-effective solution to refill these items for reuse is critical to maintaining an efficient and environmentally friendly simulation environment.

Unique Idea

My innovative solution is to create a fill station specifically designed to refill flushes and IV bags for reuse in simulation settings. This fill station utilizes readily available medical supplies to ensure the process is both practical and economical.

Objectives

  1. Reduce waste: Minimize the disposal of single-use IV bags and flushes.

  1. Cost effective: Lower the costs associated with purchasing new IV bags and flushes.

  1. Sustainability: Promote environmentally friendly practices withing the simulation setting.

  1. Practicality: Ensure the refill process is straightforward and can be easily integrated into existing simulation workflows.

Supplies/Ingredients

  • enema bags
  • central line of PICC line of choice
  • extension set (1 per port)
  • distilled water
  • empty flushes with caps
  • ENFit connector
  • IV bag with cap
  • glue (optional)

Steps to Create the Solution

1. Preparation for Refilling Flushes: Gather the necessary supplies including the enema bag, central line, extension tubing, distilled water, and empty flushes with caps.

 

2. Setup: Clip a few inches off the tip of the enema tubing.

 

3. Place the top of the chosen central line/PICC line into the end of the enema tubing ensuring that it fits snuggly so that it doesn’t leak. Secure with glue if needed to seal the connection.

 

4. Connect an extension tip to the port of the central line / PICC line. It is optional to connect multiple extension sets to any other available ports. Using the extension set allows the system to be a closed system eliminating a need to clamp anything off between refills.

 

5. Place distilled water in the enema bag and check for leaks. Connect a flush to the end of the secondary tubing and pull back the handle. You may need to disconnect the flush a few times and release the air from the flush until the enema line is primed for continual use.

 

6. Preparation for refilling IV bags: Gather the necessary supplies including an enema bag, ENFit connector, distilled water, IV bag, and IV bag cap.

 

7. Setup: Clip a few inches off the tip of the enema tubing.

 

8. Place the ENFit connector on the end of the enema bag tubing. Be sure it is snug to prevent leaking. Secure with glue if needed to seal the connection.

 

9. Be sure the enema bag is clamped. Placed distilled water in the enema bag.

 

10. Place the ENFit connector into the port of the IV bag to transfer water from the enema bag to the IV bag. Clamp off the enema tubing when IV is filled to the desired amount. Replace the IV cap on the bag and it is ready for reuse. 

Images

Supplies on a black tray, including a cleansing enema set, syringes, needles, central line, extension set, and empty flushes with caps. Two syringes connected to tubing with multiple ports and colored clamps on a black work surface. IV bag supplies on a work surface. On the left is a "Cleansing Enema Set." On the right is a bag of "0.9% Sodium Chloride" solution with two ports and caps. A close-up of a clear plastic bag labeled "PRACTI-0.9% SODIUM CHLORIDE." Tubing is connected to two ports on the bag. A clear plastic bag containing liquid hangs from a wooden board over a stainless steel sink. Tubing extends from the bag into the sink, where more tubing with colored clamps is visible.

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