FERNDALE (WWJ) – Ferndale-based Eloquest Healthcare Inc. has introduced the ReliaFit Male Urinary Management Device to address challenges identified by infection preventionists in a recent Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology poll.
Current urinary management challenges include health risks such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections related to the invasive nature of urinary catheters. These infections result in a significant increase in treatment costs, length of hospital stay and use of antimicrobials. Despite this risk, utilization of non-invasive options like condom catheters is low. Limited use of these available options is due to issues with fit and performance.
In a recent survey conducted at APIC 2013, APIC’s 40th Annual Conference, 101 infection preventionists indicated that Reduced UTI Risk is the most important characteristic in an external male urinary management device. Additionally, the majority of infection preventionists (62 percent) attributed “Convenience” as the primary factor for the prevalence of non-medically necessary “indwelling” catheter usage.
The ReliaFit Male Urinary Device, a next-generation external catheter, features a non-invasive design to reduce the risk of UTIs. In a pilot study of 42 applications of ReliaFit by 31 nurses in 20 acute-care patients, there were no CAUTIs reported. The unique design of ReliaFit ensures that it is easy to apply and provides confidence that it will remain in place for an extended period of time, thereby reducing nurses’ need for frequent checks.
“ReliaFit is an integral part of our specialized portfolio of easy-to-use products that improve patient outcomes and reduce treatment costs,” said Eloquest executive vice president and COO Tim O’Halla. “Based on its performance, clinicians prefer ReliaFit. We believe that this device will revolutionize urinary management by reducing infection rates and improving patient care and satisfaction.”
ReliaFit features a gentle, hydrocolloid seal that conforms to the skin, a flexible faceplate that fits any size anatomy (including uncircumcised and retracted anatomy), and a vent to improve drainage. It also includes Mastisol, a non-water soluble adhesive with a proven safety profile, to increase the securement of ReliaFit to the patient’s anatomy. ReliaFit can be connected to most leg or bedside urine drainage bags. For additional securement and improved performance, a product set including the securement device CathGrip is available. ReliaFit is manufactured through a partnership between Eloquest and Bioderm Inc., which sells the product as Men’s Liberty in the non-acute care setting.
Hospital-acquired infections are the fifth leading cause of death in hospitals and urinary tract infections make up about 40 percent of all HAIs. Of those, 80 percent of UTIs are attributable to indwelling urinary catheterization. In the United States alone, CAUTIs cost $424 million to $451 million a year. The increased cost includes longer hospital stays extended by an average of two to four days. In addition, the use of antimicrobials to treat CAUTIs may contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Eloquest Healthcare is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferndale Pharma Group Inc. that is focused specifically on serving hospitals, their healthcare practitioners, and patients. Eloquest Healthcare helps deliver safer, more compassionate care by providing intuitive, cost-effective solutions that complement treatment protocols. More information can be found at http://www.eloquesthealthcare.com.
