Ethnoracial inequities in access to gender-affirming mental health care and psychological distress among transgender adults.

Purpose: Transgender people face known barriers to accessing mental health care generally, and gender-affirming care in particular. However, little research has been done to evaluate the impact of systemic racism on access to gender-affirming mental health care (GAMHC) among transgender people of color (TPOC).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, secondary analysis of data on 20,967 respondents to the 2015 United States Transgender Survey who reported a desire for GAMHC services related to their gender transition.

Peripheral intravenous catheter needleless connector decontamination study-Randomized controlled trial.

Background: Needleless connectors (NCs) were introduced to reduce health care work needlestick injuries (NSIs). If not decontaminated prior to use, NCs can be a portal for patient blood stream infections. The optimal disinfectant, and its application duration, for NC decontamination has not been empirically established.

Dressings and securements for the prevention of peripheral intravenous catheter failure in adults (SAVE): a pragmatic, randomised controlled, superiority trial.

Background: Two billion peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are used globally each year, but optimal dressing and securement methods are not well established. We aimed to compare the efficacy and costs of three alternative approaches to standard non-bordered polyurethane dressings.

Methods: We did a pragmatic, randomised controlled, parallel-group superiority trial at two hospitals in Queensland, Australia.

Needleless connector drying time-how long does it take?

Allowing needleless connectors (NCs) on vascular catheters adequate drying time after cleaning with antiseptic is essential. Drying time instructions on antiseptic pads/wipes relate to skin use, not inanimate objects. Needleless connector drying times after a 15-second scrub with isopropyl-alcohol, isopropyl-alcohol/chlorhexidine, or povidone-iodine varied from 5 seconds to >6 minutes.

Microorganisms present on peripheral intravenous needleless connectors in the clinical environment.

The aim of this study was to quantify culturable microorganisms on needleless connectors (NCs) attached to peripheral intravenous catheters in hospitalized adult medical patients. Half (50%) of 40 NCs were contaminated with microorganisms commonly found on the skin or mouth. Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus epidermidis were most commonly isolated.