Background/Rationale:
- A decision support tool provides structured guidance that can support clinicians in selecting the most appropriate vascular access device based on the patient's clinical condition, duration of therapy, and risk factors.
- Proper selection of vascular access devices can reduce complications such as catheter-related bloodstream infections and thrombosis, improving patient safety and outcomes.
- By guiding appropriate device selection, a decision support tool can optimize resource use, reducing unnecessary procedures and the need for device changes, ultimately leading to cost savings.
- A device selection tool can help standardize decision-making processes across different healthcare providers and departments, ensuring consistent, high-quality care.
- The use of a device selection tool can serve as a learning tool for less experienced clinicians, providing them with a framework to improve their knowledge and skills in vascular access device selection.
Suggested Implementation Strategies:
- Form a team comprised of intensivists, infection prevention specialists, vascular access nurses, information technology specialists, and other relevant stakeholders to develop and customize the device selection tool framework.
- Base the decision support tool on the latest clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices. Consider factors such as patient-specific requirements, anticipated duration of therapy, and the risk for complications.
- Integrate the tool in the clinical workflow: Embed the device selection tool within the EHR system to enable automatic prompts and guidance at the point of care. Ensure it aligns seamlessly with clinical workflows to encourage adoption.
- Train healthcare providers on how to effectively use the decision support tool through workshops, demonstrations, and online modules. Highlight the benefits of the tool in optimizing patient care and outcomes.
- Create a system for ongoing feedback from users to ensure the tool remains relevant and user-friendly. Encourage collaboration and communication among users to share experiences and best practices.
- While vasopressors are a common indication for central venous access in the ICU, though peripheral administration may be safe with proper monitoring and protocols. However, a recent study showed that practices for the peripheral administration of vasopressors sometimes do not match hospital policies. Work with your teams to update your vasopressor protocols to match practice and facilitate safe peripheral administration of vasopressors (e.g. monitoring and extravasation protocols, IV requirements, dose and duration limits).