Championing best practice vascular access to make a real difference to patients

While up to 90% of patients requiring hospital care may require an IV catheter1, did you know that hospitals have shown IV complication rates as high as 62% as a result of suboptimal vascular access selection and care?2 

Significant variation in vascular access practices exists among hospitals in healthcare systems. This lack of standardisation may lead to a wide range of first insertion success, catheter complication and failure rates. Such variability puts patients and healthcare workers at risk.3 

Suboptimal practices and a lack of standardisation can contribute to IV complications such as phlebitis, occlusion, dislodgement, thrombosis, infiltration, extravasation, bacteremia, among others.1

These complications can cause a patient pain and discomfort and could potentially extend their length of stay in the hospital.1 When vascular access-related complications are severe they can be lethal.4

Opportunities exist for an effective, integrated approach to vascular care which may help prevent IV complications. You can help improve vascular access practices in your hospital by: 

  • Improving IV complications monitoring and regularly assessing vascular access practices3 
  • Educating clinical staff on these processes3
  • Emphasizing patient safety and satisfaction3
  • Selecting more advanced vascular access products3

By championing best practice in vascular access care, you can help prevent complications5 and improve the quality of care and patient safety, making a tangible difference in your patients’ lives.1,2

Would you like to find out more?

 

 

References

  1. Helm RE, Klausner JD, Klemperer JD, Flint LM, Huang E. Accepted but unacceptable: peripheral IV catheter failure. J Infus Nurs. 2015;38:189–203. 
  2. Oyler V, Nagar T, Nedbalek C, et al. Improving Vascular Access Outcomes for Patients, Healthcare Workers, and the Institution. Poster published by: University of Kansas Health System Health; 2017; Kansas City, KS 
  3. Morrell E. Reducing Risks and Improving Vascular Access Outcomes. J Infus Nurs. 2020;43(4):222-228. doi:10.1097/NAN.0000000000000377 
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011) Vital Signs: Central Line–Associated Blood Stream Infections — United States, 2001, 2008 and 2009. MMWR. 60:243-248. From CDC website, accessed 7/2018 
  5. Platt V. Safety and Infusion Excellence Reducing Risks and Improving Outcomes. Poster published by: University of Florida Health; 2017; Jacksonville, FL. 

Approval number BD-47378




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