Implementation of a Single-Patient-Use Airway Taping Product in the Operating Room

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia providers use adhesive tape to secure advanced airway devices. Rolls of adhesive tape serve as reservoirs for pathogens. Rolls of tape do not have instructions on how they are to be reused, cannot be disinfected, and should not be repurposed. The re-use of rolls of tape poses a risk to patient safety.

LOCAL PROBLEM: The project facility was an academic medical center in the Southeast region of the United States. The facility does not have taping practice guidelines in place. Rolls of tape are handled without gloves, used by several providers, placed on multiple patients’ faces, and stored in areas that are not routinely cleaned. The purpose of this evidence-based practice quality improvement project was to implement a single-patient-use taping product for anesthesia providers to utilize when securing advanced airways. The AIM was: After six weeks of implementation of a single-patient-use taping product in the main operating rooms of the facility, 60% of providers will report satisfaction and compliance with the new taping product.

METHODS: The Evidence-Based Practice Improvement model was used to outline this project. The measured outcomes were anesthesia provider satisfaction and compliance with the single-patient-use taping product, which was evaluated by a questionnaire.

INTERVENTIONS: A single-patient-use taping product was distributed to anesthesia providers to secure advanced airway devices perioperatively. Providers then completed a questionnaire designed to assess their satisfaction and compliance with the product.

RESULTS: The project AIM for satisfaction and compliance were met as 61% of anesthesia providers agreed that they would continue using the product if available, and 61% of providers were satisfied with the product.

CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia providers were satisfied and compliant with the product. Incorporating a single-patient-use product aligns with accrediting agencies’ strategic goals and priorities and allows anesthesia providers to increase patient safety. To sustain product use, the facility would need to continue to purchase the product at non-educational pricing.