Tegaderm CHG securement dressing for vascular access sites

Level of innovation

All the experts said that the technology was innovative because it is the only dressing that contains chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in the gel pad. They also noted that the dressing was transparent, unlike some others, which allows catheter exit site monitoring.

Potential patient impact

All the experts said that Tegaderm CHG IV securement dressing reduces the risk of exit site infections. One expert also commented on the continuous release of CHG for up to a week, a potential reduction in antibiotic exposure and hospitalisation because of the lower infection risk, and fewer tunnel infections and resulting catheter exchanges. One expert noted that Tegaderm CHG could benefit all long-term vascular catheter users and another said it could benefit all people with a central venous catheter. Another expert suggested that Tegaderm CHG is best used in people at higher risk of infection or with short, non-tunnelled acute central venous catheters in the internal jugular or subclavian vein. The experts also said that people with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines and tunnelled catheters are at a lower risk of exit site infection and may not need a CHG dressing if the site is well maintained.

Potential system impact

One expert said that reduced patient morbidity and mortality due to catheter-related infections is the most important outcome for Tegaderm CHG. They also said that it could save the NHS costs associated with replacement catheters, catheter re-insertion, hospitalisation for sepsis, lost dialysis or treatment sessions, and reduced antibiotic use.

Another expert agreed that Tegaderm CHG could be cost saving by reducing the need to treat catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). One expert suggested it would cost more than using a standard intravenous dressing alongside good care and maintenance regimes. All the experts noted that no changes to facilities and infrastructure are needed, and minimal training is needed. All the experts highlighted the potential risk of allergy to the dressing.

General comments

One expert said that CHG dressings should only be used if there is a history of skin infections leading to exit site infections. They also said that this dressing protects the exit site of the catheter but not against CRBSI from the lumen. However, another expert has adopted this dressing as standard care in dialysis treatment and found that it led to fewer exit site infections. One expert said that Tegaderm CHG has been well received by their patients having haemodialysis.