Gut related pathogens are a significant cause of HAIs
The CDC implicates 15 pathogens that account for over 86% of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)1. Of these pathogens, 11 are considered gut-related
CAUTI
CLABSI
SSI
Gaps in Protection
Most hospitals decolonize patients with Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) but do not address perineum or facial decolonization (red areas) because of efficacy and safety concerns with CHG.
ICU patients that cannot use CHG: Around 10% of ICU patients cannot use it due to anaphylactic history with CHG, allergies and sensitivities, contraindications such as psoriasis, eczema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Graft-vs-Host disease, non-intact skin, and others.
CHG bathing is not recommended for pediatrics under 2 months and hemotology/oncology patients.2
Current practice does not address gut-related pathogens in the perineum, which can lead to infections in:
1. Tracheotomy tube
2. Central venous catheter
3. PICC line
4. Urinary catheter
5. Surgical sites
Soap and water or equivalent wipes do not decolonize the perineum and can strip away the skin’s natural antimicrobial barrier and defensive functions. Most products that can decolonize the skin are either contraindicated for use in the perineum and in mucosa or lack safety and efficacy data.
References: (1) Dudeck MA et al., Antimicrobial-resistant pathogens associated with adult healthcare-associated infections; Summary of data reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network, 2015-2017. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (2020), 41, 1-18. Doi:10.1017/ice.2019.296
(2) https://www.jointcommission.org/-/media/tjc/documents/resources/hai/clabsi_monographpdf.pdf
A Clear Solution: pH Matters
Healthy skin (mucosa) thrives in an optimal low pH environment. It competes successfully for nutrition and space on the skin surface, protecting against invasion by pathogens and resulting infections. When pH rises, the normal healthy microbiome suffers, and pathogenic bacteria capitalizes on the change in pH.
Four Systems Supported By Theraworx Protect
An ideal acidic skin pH creates a hostile environment to pathogens, while supporting skin integrity and proper skin function. Theraworx Protect’s unique low pH formulation supports 4 systems that are critical to driving quality and safety while helping to reduce hurt and harm.
pH Acidic Systems
Key ingredient:
Citrus Paradisi
(Grapefruit Seed Extract)
Surfactant Systems
Key ingredient:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Barrier Systems
Key ingredient:
Dimethicone, Allantoin
Preservative Systems
Key ingredient:
Colloidal Silver
Theraworx Protect Addresses the Gaps
Theraworx Protect provides advanced total body and perineum care, trusted by hospitals and health care settings as a part of their infection control bundles.
- Advanced perineum care
- One step to total body and perineum protection–reducing time and human error
- Safe for use on compromised skin
- Low-pH formulation supports the skin’s natural antimicrobial barrier and defensive functions
- Improve quality and safety while helping to reduce hurt and harm
- Cost effective
- No contraindications
Skin-friendly, non-toxic, and biocompatible
Theraworx Protect bathing system, foams and sprays can be used in and around mucous membranes unlike CHG/alcohol. It is this safety in and around mucous membranes, as well as the challenges of hygiene in the face, perineal/perianal area, that has resulted in the increasing adoption of Theraworx as a preferred product in both the high acuity perineal cleansing and preparation for insertion of indwelling urinary catheters, and also in the maintenance hygiene associated with care of these patients.
Theraworx has proven to be a key tool in helping to maintain the catheter and lower CAUTI/CLABSI rates in adult hospitals.
Financial Benefit of Theraworx Protect
Product cost is the most direct and measurable savings in healthcare. Theraworx is priced lower than many products it replaces, particularly those containing CHG. And what’s more, the Theraworx Protect UPAK discharge program is designed to help patients care for their catheter at home after discharge from the hospital, reducing readmission rates.
