Controlling device Occlusion and infection by ConnectOr design And decontamination (The COCOA Trials)

Central venous catheters are placed into large veins to allow treatment for cancer, immune-compromised, critical care and other high risk patients. Needleless connectors attach to the catheter, so that injection syringes/infusion tubing can then be attached.

Connector design is likely important in preventing CVC complications, such as bloodstream infections and catheter occlusion. Connector decontamination (cleaning) with antiseptic before each injection/use is also a key strategy to prevent bloodstream infection.

Connector design and decontamination methods have not been studied in large, high quality randomised research trials, so healthcare organisations lack information on the best care policies.

These pilot studies aim to: 1) evaluate the feasibility of launching a full-scale, multi-site, randomised, efficacy trial, using pre-defined feasibility criteria for recruitment, participant retention, research protocol fidelity; 2) use pilot data to refine the protocol; and 3) identify clinically- and cost-effective connector design and decontamination methods to prevent catheter failure through occlusion and bloodstream infection. We have adult and paediatric patients participating in these trials.

The COCOA Trials are funded through the Queensland Department of Health Nursing & Midwifery Senior Research Fellowship, and a Cancer Council Queensland project grant.

The Chief Investigator is Professor Claire Rickard and the Project Manager is Julie Flynn.

Address

Griffith University
Nathan
Queensland
Australia 4111