Quality improvement in vascular access and electronic care records
We describe how EHR technology can be used to support quality improvement initiatives in vascular access practice and its related research and explore the importance and value of embedding vascular access requirements within EHR technology” Strudwick and Booth (2016). Abstract: Background: Hospitalized patients routinely require a form of vascular access, as do an increasing number of […]
Health care in Romania is reviewed in this vascular access journal
This article highlights health care in Romania, which is predominantly in the public sector, under the auspices of the Ministry of Health (MoH)” Hale (2016). Abstract: This article highlights health care in Romania, which is predominantly in the public sector, under the auspices of the Ministry of Health (MoH). Romania is in the southeastern region […]
Aluminum toxicity associated with infant parenteral nutrition
Aluminum toxicity is associated with anemia, impaired bone metabolism, neurologic defects, and parenteral nutrition (PN)–associated liver disease” Hall et al (2016). Abstract: Background: Aluminum toxicity is associated with anemia, impaired bone metabolism, neurologic defects, and parenteral nutrition (PN)–associated liver disease. This element is a ubiquitous contaminant of PN components, especially in infant formulations. We assessed […]
Review of procedural instruction in invasive bedside procedures
Evidence is strongest for the use of simulation and competency-based paradigms in teaching procedures, and these approaches should be the mainstay of programmes that train physicians to perform procedures” Huang et al (2016). Abstract: Importance: Optimal approaches to teaching bedside procedures are unknown. Objective: To identify effective instructional approaches in procedural training. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if […]
Comparison of fish oil sources for parenteral lipid emulsions
Development of novel manufacturing methods may achieve safe 20% PFO parenteral emulsions, but by established formulation methods, these emulsions were clinically suboptimal despite meeting pharmacopeial standards” Fell et al (2016). Abstract: Background: Fat emulsions are important components of parenteral nutrition (PN). Fish oil (FO) emulsions reverse cholestasis in PN-associated liver disease. There are 2 FO […]
Intravenous anaesthetic agents explained in this article
This article summarizes drug properties frequently used for intravenous anaesthetic induction” Medlock and Pandit (2016). Abstract: This article summarizes drug properties frequently used for intravenous anaesthetic induction. The mechanism of general anaesthesia is still unknown, hence physicochemical properties, metabolism and side effects are often more relevant than the way that the way they act to […]
CLABSI prevention guideline published by APIC
This implementation guide is designed to provide basic information regarding the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infection that is applicable for use by all infection preventionists (IPs), regardless of their practice setting or their level of experience” Goss (2015). Introduction: Prevention of device-associated infection represents a complex challenge for the infection prevention team as well as the […]
PICC outcomes in children receiving OPAT treatments
To identify the frequency of and risk factors associated with complications necessitating removal of the peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in patients receiving outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy…” Kovacich et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency of and risk factors associated with complications necessitating removal of the peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in patients […]
Management of central venous catheter dysfunction
This review will focus on the etiology, prevention, and management of CVC-related dysfunction, which is mainly associated with inadequate blood flow” Gallieni et al (2016). Abstract: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential in the management of hemodialysis patients, but they also carry unintended negative consequences and in particular thrombosis and infection, adversely affecting patient morbidity […]
Central venous catheter complication surveillance – Ten year review results
We report our decennial experience with 1161 newly-placed long-term central venous catheters inserted in 919 hematology-oncology patients for a total of 413,901 CVC-days of observation” Cesaro et al (2016). Abstract: We report our decennial experience with 1161 newly-placed long-term central venous catheters inserted in 919 hematology-oncology patients for a total of 413,901 CVC-days of observation. […]
Antibiotic-impregnated central venous catheters reduce CLABSI
Antibiotic-impregnated central venous catheters significantly reduced the risk of bloodstream infections compared with standard and heparin central venous catheters” Gilbert et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Impregnated central venous catheters are recommended for adults to reduce bloodstream infections but not for children because there is not enough evidence to prove they are effective. We aimed to […]
Caudal traction of ipsilateral arm improves supraclavicular ultrasound image
The caudal traction of ipsilateral arm toward to the knee improves the longitudinal US view of SCV for the supraclavicular approach, without reducing its size” Kim et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The first step for successful ultrasound (US)-guided subclavian vein (SCV) catheterization using a supraclavicular approach is to obtain a good longitudinal image of SCV […]
Selective chest radiography after fluoroscopic guided central line placement
This study examines the outcomes of selective chest radiography after fluoroscopic guided central line placement” Dalton et al (2016). Abstract: PURPOSE: Historically, a chest radiograph was obtained after central line placement in the operating room. Recent retrospective studies have questioned the need for this radiograph. The prevailing current practice at our center is to order […]
Central venous catheter maintenance bundles reduce CLABSI rates
The bundle resulted in a significant and sustained reduction in CLABSI rates in 30 LTACHs for 14 months” Grigonis et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Evidence-based guidelines have resulted in decreases in bloodstream infections associated with central catheters (CLABSIs) in hospital intensive care units. However, relatively little is known about CLABSI incidence and prevention in long-term […]
Publication provides CLABSI overview in the oncology setting
We describe central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns reported from oncology locations to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)” See et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent antimicrobial resistance data are lacking from inpatient oncology settings to guide infection prophylaxis and treatment recommendations. We describe central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) pathogens […]
Central venous catheter associated cerebral gas embolism
Cerebral gas embolism (CGE) is a potentially catastrophic complication of central venous catheters (CVCs) manipulation or accidental disconnection, which is rarely reported in the literature” Pinho et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Cerebral gas embolism (CGE) is a potentially catastrophic complication of central venous catheters (CVCs) manipulation or accidental disconnection, which is rarely reported in the […]
Inexpensive ultrasound phantom made from SPAM processed meat
Precooked, processed meat, better known as SPAM (Hormel Foods Corporation, Austin, MN), can be used as an ultrasound phantom to teach several ultrasound applications” Nolting et al (2016). Abstract: Ultrasound models, commonly referred to as “phantoms,” are simulation tools for ultrasound education. Commercially produced phantoms are available, but there are “homemade” alternatives such as raw […]
Intravenous infusion practices and associated administration errors
This study will explore the landscape of intravenous medication infusion practices and errors in English hospitals and how smart pumps may relate to the prevalence of medication administration errors” Blandford et al (2016). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Intravenous medication is essential for many hospital inpatients. However, providing intravenous therapy is complex and errors are common. ‘Smart pumps’ […]
Infiltration prevention associated with ultrasound vessel diameter assessment
Using ultrasound, vessel diameter and calculated ratios of the vessel diameter to the catheter gauge were measured. The relationship between the ratio and infiltration was assessed to establish a cutoff point” Tanabe et al (2016). Abstract: Small veins are a risk factor for infiltration. However, there are no data regarding the ideal vein diameter for preventing […]
Alemtuzumab administration best practice guidelines
This valuable clinical resource provides a practical guide for clinicians to optimize patient education and implement strategies for infusion-associated reaction prophylaxis and management when administering alemtuzumab” McEwan et al (2016). Abstract: With the growing complexity of multiple sclerosis (MS) care, nursing professionals have increasing responsibility in managing clinical disease and treatment. Nursing professionals and other health […]
The role of the infusion nurse in glycemic control
This article provides an overview of the evidence about glycemic control in the hospital, risk factors for hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and the role of infusion nurses in improving outcomes for hospitalized patients with diabetes” Klinkner (2016). Abstract: Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. Patients undergoing surgery, regardless of diabetes history, are at high risk for complications […]
OPAT for homeless people reviewed in this article
Patients who identify themselves as homeless may receive OPAT less often, and little is known about their treatment outcomes” Hernandez et al (2016). Abstract: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is increasingly used to treat serious infections. Patients who identify themselves as homeless may receive OPAT less often, and little is known about their treatment outcomes. […]
Diversity and cultural competence in infusion nursing practice
The Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice contains elements of diversity and cultural competence throughout” Abitz (2016). Abstract: The importance of cultural competence in every nursing practice setting in today’s world cannot be understated. Unconscious bias can have detrimental effects on therapeutic relationships and health outcomes. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Diversity and cultural competence in infusion […]
Accuracy of capillary blood glucose monitoring using the earlobe
To examine the accuracy and acceptability of capillary blood glucose monitoring using the earlobe” Chan et al (2016). Abstract: Aims: To examine the accuracy and acceptability of capillary blood glucose monitoring using the earlobe. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Accuracy of capillary blood glucose monitoring using the earlobe http://ctt.ec/7t4Re+ @ivteam #ivteam” coverup=”7t4Re”] Background: In current practice, […]
Hepatitis C outbreak in a low-resourced hemodialysis unit
Over a 2-month period in 2013, there were 11 HCV seroconversions at a satellite hemodialysis unit in Vietnam” Duong and McLaws (2016). Abstract: Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a risk for all hemodialysis patients. Over a 2-month period in 2013, there were 11 HCV seroconversions at a satellite hemodialysis unit in Vietnam. We report […]
CLABSI diagnosis in the absence of blood culture data
Diagnosis of intravascular catheter infection may be affected by the definition and procedures applied in the absence of blood culture data” Austin et al (2016). Abstract: Background: Diagnosis of intravascular catheter infection may be affected by the definition and procedures applied in the absence of blood culture data. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… CLABSI diagnosis in […]
Will needleless connector cultures identify central venous catheter colonization
Our objective was to evaluate whether culture of flushed withdrawn NCs is an alternative to hub culture when investigating central venous catheter colonization” Pérez-Granda et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Culture of catheter hubs and skin surrounding the catheter entry site has a negative predictive value for catheter tip colonization. However, manipulation of the hub for […]
Subcutaneous insulin compared with intravenous insulin
To assess the safety and efficacy of pump therapy (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion; CSII) during labour and delivery in women with Type 1 diabetes” Drever et al (2016). Abstract: AIMS: To assess the safety and efficacy of pump therapy (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion; CSII) during labour and delivery in women with Type 1 diabetes. [ctt […]
Intravenous medication administration errors related to smart infusion pumps
The results of this study will be useful in developing interventions to eliminate errors in the intravenous medication administration process” Schnock et al (2016). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Intravenous medication errors persist despite the use of smart pumps. This suggests the need for a standardised methodology for measuring errors and highlights the importance of identifying issues around […]
The role of human factors engineering in OPAT services
One commonly used technology in the home, outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), provides a way for patients needing long-term antimicrobial therapy to leave the hospital (or avoid the hospital altogether) and receive antibiotic agents through central venous catheters (CVCs)” Keller et al (2016). Abstract: During the past several decades, increasingly complex health care technologies, such […]