Can Successful Implementation of the Common Canister Program Deliver Cost Containment and Improved Infection Control?

Abstract

Purpose To review considerations for implementing the common canister program in hospitals, and to encourage a careful evaluation of a substantial financial and process improvement opportunity involving the common canister program. Background The common canister program has not received a comprehensive evaluation in the literature. It has not been compared to traditional inhaler administration, and the potential infectious risk of the traditional patient-specific inhaler administration process has not been considered. Ten microbiologic studies examining infection risk have been performed using a common canister protocol; no studies have been published with individual inhaler administration without a spacer. The results in all 10 of the common canister microbiologic studies indicated that this program was safe for patients when a multidisciplinary approach was followed and was accompanied by hospitalwide education. Conclusion Because of the opportunity to reduce inhaler expenditures by 50% and the theoretical concerns of contamination from the traditional inhaler process, this program should be evaluated. Best practice requires a relative assessment of all inhaler administration models to determine the safest and most efficacious practice. It may be surprising to learn how an inhaler, after touching a patient's mouth during the individual inhaler administration process, is handled, transported, and stored by staff, and the various contaminated surfaces the inhaler contacts in the retrieval, administration, and return to storage process.