Bag Technique

PURPOSE

·       To prevent contamination of the nursing bag

·       To prevent cross-contamination and spread of infectious organisms 

RELATED PROCEDURES

·       Hand washing

·       Maintaining Medical Supplies and Equipment in the Car

EQUIPMENT

1.     Nursing bag with impermeable lining

2.     Paper towels

3.     Fresh newspapers or other suitable barrier

4.     Leak-proof and puncture-proof container for bag storage in the car

5.     Liquid soap (bar soap can be a haven for bacteria) (Note: antiseptic hand cleanser may be used instead of liquid soap) and an impermeable plastic trash bag (see Infection Control)

PROCEDURE

1.     Observe the principles of Standard Precautions at all times. The inside of the nursing bag should be regarded and maintained as a clean area.

2.     Transport the nursing bag in the car on top of a supply of fresh newspapers. In addition, the bag should be stored in a clean area of the car, preferably in a plastic or cardboard container designated for such use.

3.     Once in the patient’s home, select the cleanest and most convenient work area and spread the newspaper.

4.     Place the bag on the newspaper.

5.     Prepare a receptacle (impermeable plastic trash bag for disposable items).

6.     Open the nursing bag and remove items needed to wash hands (hand washing supplies should be kept at the top of the bag). Close the bag. Use the nursing bag as few times as possible.

7.     Wash and dry hands according to the procedure for Hand washing.

8.     Return to the nursing bag, open it again, and remove necessary items for the visit. Apply personal protective equipment as needed. Keep the bag closed during the visit. Leave all plastic containers in the bag. If additional equipment or supplies are needed from the bag during the home visit, the hand washing procedure must be repeated.

9.     Discard disposable personal protective equipment in an impermeable plastic trash bag. To discard a disposable gown or plastic apron, remove the apron by folding the exposed side inward. 

10.  After providing care, clean all equipment with soap and water or a home health agency-approved disinfectant before returning it to the bag. Return unused clean supplies to the nursing bag after care is given. Contaminated equipment or equipment that cannot be cleaned in the patient’s home may be transported for disinfection to the home health agency in an impermeable sealed plastic bag placed on the floor of the car. Never place used needles, soiled equipment, or dressings in the nursing bag.

11.  Wash hands. Discard any remaining items according to Standard Precautions. Return cleaning supplies (e.g., liquid soap) to the nursing bag.

12.  Close the nursing bag and fasten. When leaving the patient’s home, pick up the bag and place the newspaper that was underneath it in the family trash. When traveling, store the nursing bag in a clean place (see procedure for Maintaining Medical Supplies and Equipment in the Car).

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

The nursing bag should be cleaned and restocked weekly at the home health agency.

The following should be considered when selecting work areas in the patient’s home:

a. Adequate workspace (preferably a clean surface)

b. Protection of the family’s property

c. Protection of the nursing bag (place in a safe place area from children and/or pets)

d. Convenience of water

Be aware that Bag Technique is a traditional public health practice that recognizes the impact and presence of the home health nurse in the community.

DOCUMENTATION GUIDELINES

Document Standard Precautions on the visit report.