Background/Rationale:
- Complications from vascular access device use can significantly impact patient outcomes. Focusing on reducing these complications directly improves patient safety and quality of care.
- Complications often lead to increased healthcare costs due to prolonged hospital stays, additional treatments, and interventions. Reducing complications can lead to significant cost savings.
- Utilizing evidence-based strategies and guidelines helps in standardizing care, reducing variability in practice, and ultimately improving outcomes.
- Educating staff on best practices can not only reduce complications but also reduce staff workload related to managing complications, allowing for more focus on proactive care measures.
Suggested Implementation Strategies:
- Establish evidence-based protocols for the insertion, maintenance, and removal of vascular access devices. Ensure guidelines align with national and international standards and best practices.
- Involve a multidisciplinary team, including infection control specialists, to oversee vascular access practices and provide regular feedback on performance and outcomes.
- Ensure thorough patient assessments to guide the selection of the most appropriate vascular access devices, considering factors such as the intended duration of use and patient-specific risks.