Central line educational program

Intravenous news: To help consumers avoid the dangerous infections inherent with prolonged catheter use, the Oley Foundation has developed a second module of its interactive educational program MY HPN. Catheter-associated infections are among the most frequent, harmful, and costly complications facing adult consumers of long-term home parenteral nutrition (also called HPN, TPN or IV-fed nutrition).

“Adult HPN consumers experience a catheter-associated bloodstream infection about once every 2 to 3 years. These infections can be life threatening and typically cost between $3,700 and $29,000 to treat,” confirms author and Oley Foundation Trustee, Cheryl Thompson, PhD, RD, CNSD.

Sponsored by Baxter International Inc., MY HPN Module 2: Catheter- Associated Infection teaches consumers and clinicians about common symptoms, prevention steps, and standard treatment for local and systemic infections based on the latest guidelines from multiple professional organizations, as well as clinical practice at major HPN centers in the United States. The interactive program takes users through two hypothetical case studies, and includes printable educational material on catheter infection and care. These printed materials can be accessed directly through the Foundation’s Web site as well. The program also includes links to related professional guidelines, and published research.

Sponsored by Baxter International Inc., MY HPN Module 2: Catheter-Associated Infection teaches consumers and clinicians about common symptoms, prevention steps, and standard treatment for local and systemic infections based on the latest guidelines from multiple professional organizations, as well as clinical practice at major HPN centers in the United States. The interactive program takes users through two hypothetical case studies, and includes printable educational material on catheter infection and care. These printed materials can be accessed directly through the Foundation’s Web site as well. The program also includes links to related professional guidelines, and published research.

“We are pleased to support the Oley Foundation on this important educational initiative, as much like Baxter, Oley is dedicated to improving the lives of those requiring nutritional support,” said Jeff Nordquist, vice president of Marketing, U.S. Region of Baxter’s Medication Delivery business. “We hope this readily accessible online tool will assist consumers and clinicians in preventing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections and help lead to better outcomes.” In addition to sponsoring this second educational module, Baxter will be supporting the development of future modules as part of its Nourish the Outcome initiative, which educates clinicians and consumers on clinical malnutrition and demonstrates how finding the right nutritional support can help to effectively nourish the outcomes of parenterally-fed consumers.

The MY HPN series is the first of its kind to teach HPN consumers how to better manage their own home parenteral nutrition. Modules one and two are available, free of charge, at www.oley.org. MY HPN Module 1: Take Charge teaches consumers how to become active participants in their health care team. Future modules will cover such topics as fluid and glucose control, nutrition, lab testing, liver and bone disease, catheter issues, and eventually transitioning off of HPN.

The Oley Foundation is a national, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides its 10,000 members with critical information on such topics as research, health insurance, and medical advances. The Foundation is also a source of support, helping homePEN (home intravenous or tube fed) patients overcome the unique psycho-social challenges they face, such as an inability to eat, altered body image, and the ups and downs of chronic illness. All Oley programs and services are offered free of charge to people who sustain themselves via home IV or tube feeding. Learn more at www.oley.org.

Click here for – My HPN – online education.

Other stories