The Missing Link case study series
Complete the form below to speak with a BD representative.
Investing in patient and hospital outcomes using vascular access teams
Most patients admitted to hospital in Australia and New Zealand will require a vascular access device1. While the placement of these devices is very common, this invasive procedure has an associated risk of infection and various other complications that can pose a major risk to patients.
Evidence exists that the common practice of having multiple interdisciplinary hospital staff members with varying skill levels (e.g. bedside nurses, doctors and others at the clinical unit level), who are responsible for single steps in the process of inserting and managing vascular access devices, results in fragmented care, jeoparidising patient safety2-4. Consequently, there is ongoing concern that this ‘generalist model’ for vascular access device insertions leads to both adverse patient and hospital staff outcomes such as multiple unsuccessful insertion attempts, patient pain, discomfort and frustration, as well as the competing clinical responsibilities of individual staff members2-4.
As a result, there is increasing interest in the concept of having a dedicated Vascular Access Team (VAT), that has specialised vascular access device expertise, and the potential for clinical and financial benefits2,5,6. The implementation of VATs can positively impact patient safety and satisfaction, improve organisational efficiencies and cost-effectiveness, and could create new opportunities for in and outpatient services, beneficial to both patients and institutions6.
Hospitals in Australia and New Zealand that have established these dedicated teams report significant improvement in their vascular access services and patient outcomes, as well as enhanced capacity to meet an increasing demand for vascular access services7-9.
Don't miss out!
Check out the Missing Link case study series found on the Resources tab.
BD, and the BD logo are trademarks of Becton, Dickinson and Company.
© 2024 BD. All rights reserved.