Highlights

Simulation-based mastery learning allows for time-variable practice.
Mastery learning includes a pretest, deliberate practice, and a posttest.
Learners meet minimum passing standards to move on to the next training stage.

Abstract

Central venous catheters (CVCs) and arterial catheters (ACs) are indispensable tools in modern healthcare, enabling life-saving therapies. However, they carry risks of complications such as bloodstream infections, thrombosis, and procedural mishaps, which impact patient safety and healthcare costs.¹ Nurse-driven central line insertion (NDCLI) programs offer a proactive approach to address these challenges by empowering trained vascular access nurses to perform CVC and AC insertions.²

This 4-year follow -up builds on the initial publication, A Vascular Access Team’s Journey to Central Venous Catheter and Arterial Line Placement, highlighting first-attempt success and the low-insertion complication rates of an NDCLI program at a community hospital. The program achieved a 91.25% first-attempt success rate and minimal complications, including a single pneumothorax across 812 insertions. Notably, the addition of mid-thigh femoral peripherally inserted central catheters (MTFPICCs) addressed critical gaps in vascular access for patients with central vessel occlusions, showcasing the program’s adaptability and innovation.

This follow-up underscores the value of NDCLI programs in improving efficiency, reducing delays, and enhancing patient outcomes. It also explores the potential for expanding the scope of practice to include other advanced vascular access devices. As the complexity of patient care evolves, NDCLI programs represent a transformative model for leveraging nursing expertise in vascular access, fostering collaboration, and standardizing best practices.

Abstract

Aim:

Intravenous (IV) drug use is an increasing public health concern impacting the care of hospitalized patients. Identifying patients at risk of nonprescribed use of their vascular access device (VAD) is the first step in providing safe, effective care to these patients. Currently, as indicated by literature review, hospitals do not have a process in place to screen patients for the likelihood of misuse of their VAD. In this article, we focus on developing an assessment and work toward validating the tool.

Methods:

A literature review was performed for screening tools that identify patients with history of IV drug use who may be at risk for misuse of their VAD. After identifying a gap in research, key stakeholders collaborated to identify which questions would be necessary to recognize this patient population and developed a Substance Use Risk Assessment (SURA) tool and a Substance Use Risk Reduction Program.

Results/Conclusions:

The pilot of the assessment and program found successful identification of patients at risk for VAD misuse, and interventions were put in place to decrease risk to the patient and hospital. The SURA tool has attained an acceptable level of content validity; however, reliability was not proven due to limited data availability.

First Place:

Advancing Safety in Central Venous Access Device Blood Waste Management Across a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Maria Theresa Dizon Fabros, MSN, RN, NEBC, VA-BC – City of Hope Medical Center

QR code to poster:

Purpose: What was the goal of the study?: The discard method is a common wasting technique for collecting blood waste from a central venous access device (CVAD). Full implementation of the discard method, including syringe or discard tube, was evaluated within a Comprehensive Cancer Center to assess effects of repetitive motion injuries and blood-borne and cytotoxic exposures.

Background: What was the problem? Why

A Randomized Control Trial to Determine the Effect of Handball Exercise on Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation

Vipul Gupta,

Himansu Sekhar Mahapatra,

B. Muthukumar,

Lalit Pursnani,

Chandra Krishnan,

Anamika,

Sutanay Bhattacharya,

Preeti Chaudhary, and

Rajesh Tarachandani

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President’s Message

Standards and Guidelines: Two Approaches, One Goal: Editor’s Message

Opportunities for Quality Improvement Through a Simulation-Based Mastery Learning Curriculum for Interprofessional Central Venous Care: Foundational Support

Highlights

A Vascular Access Team’s Journey to Central Venous Catheter and Arterial Catheter Insertion

Abstract

Substance Use Risk Assessment: Assessing the Risk of Vascular Access Device Tampering in Patients With a History of Drug Use

Abstract

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Methods:

Results/Conclusions:

Pilot Study Assessing Feasibility of a Novel Vascular Access Device in a Rabbit Model

Highlights

Abstract

Introduction:

Methods:

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Discussion:

2024 Association for Vascular Access Scientific Meeting: People’s Choice Poster Winners: Poster Abstracts

First Place:

Advancing Safety in Central Venous Access Device Blood Waste Management Across a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Don’t Get on My Nerves: A Deeper Dive

A Randomized Control Trial to Determine the Effect of Handball Exercise on Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation

Midlines: Useful, Not Universal

Venous Valves: What’s the Hang-Up? A Deeper Dive

Step Into Leadership: Make a Difference on the AVA Board

A Guide to “Measures of Association” for Vascular Access Professionals: Foundational Support

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President's Message

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Substance abuse in older adults: An overview