Technology-assisted or manual IV room workflow

The benefits of technology-assisted workflow (TAWF) compared with manual workflow (non-TAWF) on i.v. room efficiency, costs, and safety at hospitals with more than 200 beds are evaluated” Eckel et al (2019). Abstract: Purpose: The benefits of technology-assisted workflow (TAWF) compared with manual workflow (non-TAWF) on i.v. room efficiency, costs, and safety at hospitals with more […]
Full text version of Vessel Health and Preservation textbook

Vessel health and preservation (VHP) is a model applied to vascular access and the administration of IV medications and treatment that structures evidence-based practices within four quadrants of medical care: assessment/selection, insertion, management, and evaluation of vascular access devices” Moureau (2019). Extract: Vessel health and preservation (VHP) is a model applied to vascular access and […]
Review of nurse-led central venous catheter insertion

The implementation of the ‘Transfer of competence: nurse-led central venous catheter insertion’ cooperation protocol in 2016, in the Paris hospital trust (AP-HP), has enabled these waiting times to be reduced without any increase in the frequency of complications or effects on the safety of the procedure” Fournier et al (2019). Abstract: Chemotherapy for cancer patients […]
Prolonged Gentamicin-lock therapy reduces hemodialysis catheter-related infections

In the current study, gentamicin-lock therapy was associated with a significant reduction in CRBSI specially with P. aeruginosa and other Gram-negative bacteria” Padilla-Orozco et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) ranges from 2.2 to 5.5 episodes per 1,000 catheter-days. Our aim was to evaluate the utility of a generalized and […]
Use of the Lean methodology in the management of cancer patients

The Lean methodology could provide a robust framework for improved understanding and management of complex system constraints in outpatient oncology clinics” De Belvis et al (2019). Abstract: AIM: The aim of this study was to map a patient’s journey along all stages of his daily care path in an Oncology outpatient department, to identify and […]
Usefulness of PICC for cancer patients in palliative care settings

We evaluated the safety and usefulness of ultrasound-guided PICC placement for cancer patients in palliative care settings” Ikeda et al (2019). Abstract: Peripherally inserted central venous catheters(PICCs)are widely used given they have lower incidence of serious complications than central venous catheters. We evaluated the safety and usefulness of ultrasound-guided PICC placement for cancer patients in […]
Adiós Bacteriemias: a multi-country quality improvement collaborative project to reduce CLABSI

Adiós Bacteriemias was effective in reducing the incidence of CLABSI and improving the adherence to good practices for CL insertion and maintenance processes in participating ICUs in Latin America” Arrieta et al (2019). Abstract: QUALITY PROBLEM: The incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in Latin America has been estimated at 4.9 episodes per 1000 […]
Diagnosis of central venous catheter colonization

The conventional diagnostic techniques for catheter colonization (CC) take at least 48 h to yield results. Therefore, new diagnostic procedures that speed up the time necessary for results are needed” Alonso et al (2019). Abstract: The conventional diagnostic techniques for catheter colonization (CC) take at least 48 h to yield results. Therefore, new diagnostic procedures […]
The challenge of vascular access for hemodialysis

Vascular access for hemodialysis has a long and rich history. This article highlights major innovations and milestones in the history of angioaccess for hemodialysis” Murea et al (2019). Abstract: Vascular access for hemodialysis has a long and rich history. This article highlights major innovations and milestones in the history of angioaccess for hemodialysis. Advances in […]
Systematic review of occupational hazards for health workers in Africa

This systematic review examined occupational exposure rates to blood and bloodborne pathogen among healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa” Mossburg et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: While all healthcare workers are exposed to occupational hazards, workers in sub-Saharan Africa have higher rates of occupational exposure to infectious diseases than workers in developed countries. Identifying prevalence and context […]
Stability of Meropenem after reconstitution for administration by prolonged infusion

Although results obtained indicate that meropenem should not be continuously infused over 24 hours, it is possible that meropenem could be continuously infused for at least 7 hours if temperature does not exceed 22°C and for 5 hours if temperature does not exceed 33°C” Fawaz et al (2019). Abstract: Objective: Meropenem is a parenteral carbapenem […]
Flow rate accuracy of ambulatory elastomeric and electronic infusion pumps

Elastomeric infusion pumps are widely used in the delivery of parenteral medications in the home, but real-life conditions may not match calibration or standardised testing conditions. This study investigated the impact of changes in infusion pump height and/or back pressure on infusion pump function” Hobbs et al (2019). Abstract: Background: Elastomeric infusion pumps are widely […]
Underreporting of bloodborne pathogen exposures in nursing students

Although nursing students perform many of the same procedures as licensed nurses, students are less skillful when handling sharps and are at higher risk of injury” Black Thomas (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although nursing students perform many of the same procedures as licensed nurses, students are less skillful when handling sharps and are at higher risk […]
Evaluation of the two-bag system in adult diabetic ketoacidosis patients

This study was designed to assess if the two-bag (TB) system, which utilizes 2 intravenous (IV) fluid bags, one containing sodium chloride and the other containing sodium chloride and dextrose, is an effective and safe alternative to the traditional one-bag (OB) system in adults with DKA” Cho et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) […]
Implementing smart infusion pumps in an Intensive Care Unit in Mexico

The objective of the study is to evaluate the economic impact of the implementation of smart infusion pumps in the consumption of intravenous (IV) solutions in an ICU” Palacios Rosas et al (2019). Abstract: Background: The use of smart pump technology has shown to be profitable in the intensive care unit (ICU) because it avoids […]
Effect of hugging in infants for pain management during venipuncture

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of caressing in infants for pain management during venipuncture” Beiranvand et al (2019). Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of caressing in infants for pain management during venipuncture. This is a randomized control trial, carried out on 120 infants between […]
Comparison of IV infusion practices between the United States and England

The aim of this study was to investigate similarities and differences in practices and error types involving intravenous medication administration in the United States and England, and summarise methodological differences necessary to perform these parallel studies” Blandford et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Intravenous medication administration is widely reported to be error prone. Technologies such as […]
Development of intelligent infusion management system

The intelligent infusion management system is established through intelligent internet of things, by using the gravity sensor, acceleration sensor and other equipment” Li et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The intelligent infusion management system is established through intelligent internet of things, by using the gravity sensor, acceleration sensor and other equipment. METHODS: Establish an infusion management […]
Skin staining following intravenous iron infusion

The following morning, light brown skin staining was noted at the infusion site, and the staining was present 2 months later at follow-up. Skin staining following intravenous iron infusion is a rare but important side effect” Crowley et al (2019). Abstract: This report describes the case of a 36-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2, at […]
Method for serum vancomycin determination in pediatric patients

Several studies have found that in adults, continuous infusions of vancomycin showed earlier attainment of desired target drug concentrations and reduced nephrotoxicity relative to intermittent infusion” Zhang et al (2019). Abstract: Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic widely used against Gram-positive bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Several studies have found that in […]
Physicochemical stability of voriconazole in elastomeric devices

These findings would allow early hospital discharge using elastomeric intravenous administration of voriconazole in patients in whom oral route of administration is not available” Harmanjeet et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Voriconazole is the drug of choice for invasive aspergillosis (IA), a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in immunocompromised patients. Prolong intravenous administration of voriconazole […]
Central venous access devices: An overview for nursing students

This article is a review for nursing students of the purpose, indications, and nursing considerations for each type of CVAD” Kline and Katrancha (2019). Abstract: About 8% of hospitalized patients require a central venous access device (CVAD): nontunneled central venous catheters (CVCs), including peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), and implanted CVCs, including tunneled catheters and […]
Simulated intravenous therapy reduces risk and confusion

Participants had to correctly identify infusions and disconnect an infusion in four different conditions: baseline (current practice); line labels/organizers; smart pump; and light-linking system” Pinkney et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Assess interventions’ impact on preventing IV infusion identification and disconnection mix-ups. DESIGN: Experimental study with repeated measures design. SETTING: High fidelity simulated adult ICU. SUBJECTS: […]
Management and complications associated with arterial catheters

Peripheral arterial catheters (PAC) are used for haemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling in paediatric critical care. Limited data are available regarding PAC insertion and management practices, and how they relate to device function and failure” Schults et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Peripheral arterial catheters (PAC) are used for haemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling in paediatric […]
Multiple complications of a 14-year-old hemodialysis catheter

We describe a case of a 65-year-old woman undergoing hemodialysis treatment since 1986 after a bilateral nephrectomy due to complicated nephrolithiasis. Her last access, two Tesio® tunneled cuffed catheters implanted via the right internal jugular vein functioned correctly for 14 years without complications” Mira et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Vascular access for hemodialysis is a key […]
Review of needlestick injuries of healthcare workers

Preventive measures refer to the reduction of the number of needlestick injuries by improving work organization and usage of needle devices with safety features as well as to the reduction of infection risk by hepatitis B vaccination and wearing safety gloves” Ochmann and Wicker (2019). Abstract: Injuries of healthcare workers with sharp instruments are considered […]
Antibiotic prophylaxis in totally implantable port placement

To evaluate risk factors of infection and effectiveness of preprocedural single-dose intravenous prophylactic antibiotic (PABX) during totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) placement in preventing procedure-related infections” Nezami et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: To evaluate risk factors of infection and effectiveness of preprocedural single-dose intravenous prophylactic antibiotic (PABX) during totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) […]
Review examines upper extremity DVT versus lower extremity DVT

This study compared clinical characteristics and 1-year outcomes between 438 UEDVT patients and 7,602 LEDVT patients recruited in the GARFIELD-VTE registry” Ageno et al (2019). Abstract: Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is less common than lower extremity DVT (LEDVT) and consequently less well characterized. This study compared clinical characteristics and 1-year outcomes between 438 […]
Quality improvement initiative to decrease time to full feeds and central line utilization

Our NICU had conservative feeding advancement guidelines that delayed enteral feeding and prolonged central line use. We aimed to reduce time to full feeds among infants born ≤ 32 0/7 weeks from 12.8 days to 8 days” Chu et al (2019). Abstract: Background: There are emerging evidences that support more aggressive feeding advancement among preterm infants. Our […]
Flush solution for maintaining central venous catheter patency in dogs

The purpose of this study was to determine whether heparinized saline (HS) would be more effective in maintaining the patency of central venous catheters (CVCs) in dogs compared to 0.9% sodium chloride” Vose et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether heparinized saline (HS) would be more effective in […]