Eloquest Healthcare's ReliaFit™ Male Urinary Device Addresses Challenges Related to Urinary Management

FERNDALE, Mich., Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ReliaFit™ Male Urinary Management Device, recently introduced into the acute care market by Eloquest Healthcare^®, Inc., addresses challenges identified by Infection Preventionists in a recent Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) poll. 

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Current urinary management challenges include health risks such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) related to the invasive nature of indwelling urinary catheters.^1,2 These infections result in a significant increase in treatment costs, length of hospital stay and use of antimicrobials.^2-6 Despite this risk, utilization of non-indwelling 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%) 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.⁷ In a pilot study of 42 applications of ReliaFit by 31 nurses in 20 acute-care patients, there were no CAUTIs reported.⁸ 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 the Nurses' need to frequently assess.

"ReliaFit is an integral part of our specialized portfolio of easy-to-use products that improve patient outcomes and reduce treatment costs," states Tim O'Halla, Executive Vice President & COO. "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."

About ReliaFit Male Urinary Device

ReliaFit is an external catheter for male urinary management. It 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., who sells the product as Men's Liberty™ (www.mensliberty.com) in the non-acute care setting. 

About Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs)

HAIs are the fifth leading cause of death in hospitals and urinary tract infections make up about 40 percent of all HAIs.^2,3,6 Of those, 80 percent of UTIs are attributable to indwelling urinary catheterization.^2,3 In the U.S. alone, CAUTIs cost $424 to $451 million dollars per year.² The increased cost includes longer hospital stays extended by an average of two to four days.^3-5 In addition, the use of antimicrobials to treat CAUTIs may contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance.⁶

About Eloquest Healthcare

Eloquest Healthcare, Inc. 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

References

1. Catheters. RAK Associates Website. http:// www.rakassociates.com/docs/RAK051203CC_ Catheter_Example.pdf. Published December 2008. Accessed May 8, 2013. 
2. Gray M. Reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infection in the critical care unit. AACN Advanced Critical Care. 2010;21(3):247-257.
3. Saint S. Clinical and economic consequences of nosocomial catheter-related bacteriuria. Am J Infect Control. 2000;28(1):68-75.
4. Givens CD, Wenzel RP. Catheter associated urinary tract infections in surgical patients: a controlled study on the excess morbidity and costs. J Urol. 1980;124(5):646-648.
5. Green MS, Rubinstein E, Amit P. Estimating the effects of nosocomial infections on the length of hospitalization. J Infect Dis. 1982;145(5):667-672.
6. Stone PW. Economic burden of healthcare associated infections: an American perspective. Expert Rev Pharmacoeconomics Outcomes Res. 2009;9(5):417-422.
7. Urinary Output Monitoring and Management in Acute Care: Clinical Pathway for CMS 1533 Compliance and Positive Economic Impact of Compliance (white paper). http://mensliberty.com/health-professionals-reduce-utiwith-mens-liberty/. Accessed May 16, 2013.
8. Lucas LM, Iseler J, Gale L. Evaluation of a new, novel male external urinary management device. Poster presented at: Cleveland Clinic's Spring 2013 WOC Nursing Symposium; April 12, 2013; Cleveland, OH.

SOURCE Eloquest Healthcare, Inc.