Abstract:
Background: An independent review of current hospital practices related to vascular access device (VAD) insertion, maintenance, access, and removal in a 400-bed community medical center identified widespread practice variability and significant policy discrepancies compared to current evidence-based best practices and standards of care. Development of a vascular access management program in alignment with standards of care will take place to effect positive clinical and financial outcomes. Methods: The project design is a quality improvement project including practice and educational interventions. Quantitative methods will be utilized to measure nursing practice compliance with policy changes reflecting evidence-based practice standards of care. Results: It is anticipated that the implementation of a vascular access management program based on s evidence-based practice standards of care and maintenance of all VADs will increase compliance with hand hygiene compliance on entry to patient room, maintenance of aseptic technique in manipulating devices, performing proper hub and site maintenance, and performing correct sequence and processes for flushing and clamping practices as observed in post intervention observations. Discussion: Successful implementation of this study will have a positive impact on patient care outcomes to include CLABSI incidence rates, patient satisfaction with vascular access as well as a positive economic impact by improving PIV dwell time, and decreased CVL utilization.
