For patients receiving chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, or long-term Intravenous (IV) therapy, repeated hospital visits and frequent needlesticks remain part of daily life. These routines can lead to discomfort; longer hospital stays and higher costs.<\/p>\n
As healthcare models continue to evolve, the development of hospital\u2011based Vascular Access Teams (VATs) has significantly improved the management of vascular access for these patients. Building on this foundation, innovative models such as Home Vascular Access Teams (HVATs) help align hospital and community care pathways, supporting continuity of care and outcomes that help reduce hospital stays and enhance patient quality of life.1<\/sup><\/p>\n The ASL TO5 initiative in Nichelino, Turin, Italy, has pioneered the home implantation of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) and midline catheters, managed by the first Home Vascular Access Team (HVAT) in the country. This multidisciplinary team of doctors and nurses specialised in vascular access and supports around 2,500 patients per district.<\/p>\n As healthcare systems seek to reduce hospital stays and optimise resources, home-based IV therapy is becoming an essential component of modern care. Patients requiring longterm therapy, including antibiotics, chemotherapy, or parenteral nutrition, are increasingly treated outside the hospital setting. While this approach benefits patients and staff, it introduces new challenges in vascular access management.1<\/sup><\/p>\n Even within the same hospital, clinicians may select devices based on personal experience rather than standardised vascular access protocols. This variability can lead to delays in therapy initiation, higher complication rates, and increased hospital readmissions.<\/p>\n Ensuring continuity of care when patients transition from hospital to home is another key issue. Communication gaps between hospital staff and home-care teams can result in inadequate monitoring, delayed troubleshooting, or mismanagement of devices. Standardised pathways and structured handover processes are critical to mitigate these risks.<\/p>\n Clinical teams are often stretched, managing high patient volumes alongside complex procedures. Without clear guidance and accessible vascular access training resources, nurses and physicians may struggle to maintain best practices consistently, impacting both patient safety and staff satisfaction.<\/p>\n BD supports healthcare professionals in overcoming these challenges through education, clinical insights, and collaborative initiatives. By providing access to evidence-based vascular access guidelines, best-practice resources, and real-world case studies, BD helps clinical teams develop structured vascular access programs that standardise care, enhance safety, and improve efficiency.<\/p>\n For example, programs that align device selection with therapy duration, standardise PICC and midline catheter insertion techniques, and coordinate follow-up with home-care providers have demonstrated measurable benefits, including reduced complications, improved documentation, and better patient outcomes.<\/p>\n BD also facilitates knowledge sharing among clinicians through webinars, workshops, and curated content, fostering a community of practice where experiences and lessons learned can be exchanged.<\/p>\nASL TO5 pioneering Home Vascular Access Teams in Italy<\/h2>\n
Growing Demand for Home-Based IV Therapy<\/h3>\n
Variability of vascular access protocol in Practice<\/h3>\n
Staff Workload and Training<\/h3>\n
Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n