Dr Amanda Corley1,2,3, Dr Sarah Berger4,5, Ms. Elizabeth Culverwell4,5, Ms. Emily Larsen1,2,3, Ms. Catherine O'Brien1,2, Dr Gillian Ray-Barruel2,3, Professor Amanda Ullman3, Professor Nicole Marsh1,2,3
1Griffith University, Nathan, Australia, 2Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia, 3University of Queensland, Herston, Australia, 4Te Whatu Ora Health, Christchurch, New Zealand, 5University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Biography:
Amanda is a critical care nurse and researcher of over 25 years’ experience. She is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Griffith University and is based at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. She holds a PhD and has a strong national and international track record in patient-focused clinical and health services research. She has published over 90 peer-reviewed publications and 4 book chapters, with career funding of >$2.5m in competitive and industry grants. Her research interests include respiratory management in ICU and vascular access devices, particularly haemodialysis catheters and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulae.
Abstract:
Introduction
First-time insertion success for vascular access devices (VADs) can be low and all-cause failure rates are high, exposing patients to unnecessary iatrogenic risk. VAD-related bloodstream infections are not uncommon and are costly to patients and hospitals. Vascular access teams (VATs) comprise specialist inserters with advanced knowledge and skills, and may decrease infectious complications and improve patient experience. We aim to describe workforce models and practices around VAD selection and insertion across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).
Methods
Prospective, cross-sectional, internet-based survey. Eligible participants: ANZ healthcare professionals, ≥18 years, with VAD experience. Descriptive statistics will summarise results.
Results
Responses were received from 232 healthcare professionals: 180 (78%) from Australia, and 52 (22%) from NZ. Forty percent of NZ respondents reported their hospital had VATs, comparable to Australia with 31%. Across ANZ, VATs mostly comprised clinical nurse specialists (27%) and generalist nurses (16%), with medical staff identified as VAT members by 9% of respondents. VAT scope across NZ was mainly VAD insertion (25%), education and training (21%), and VAD surveillance/adverse event reporting (19%); with similar findings in Australia (34%, 20%, and 20%, respectively). Across ANZ, respondents identified medical officers as chiefly responsible for VAD selection (42%). Escalation pathways for VAD placement were reported by 56% of respondents.
Conclusion
These results provide an understanding of VAT prevalence and scope across ANZ. To reduce patient harm associated with VAD complications and failure, VATs should be considered to drive best practice standards of care in VAD selection, insertion and management in our region.