Vascular access devices are essential for inpatient care, with approximately 70% of hospitalised patients requiring intravenous therapy during their admission. Adherence to current evidence-based practice (EBP) is critical to optimising vascular health, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare-associated infections. Nurses play a key role in applying EBP to minimise complications associated with vascular devices. This poster aims to raise awareness and promote EBP recommendations on vascular access devices with a focus on maintaining device patency, reduce infection risk and improving patient comfort.
Contemporary evidence and Metro North Health guidelines support the replacement of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) when clinically indicated such as if the device displays signs of infection, blockage, or is no longer functioning instead of the routine 72-hour replacement. This approach has been shown to reduce unnecessary cannulations, enhance patient comfort, and decrease healthcare resource use without increasing infection risk. Infection prevention strategies such as the aseptic non-touch technique, Five Moments for Hand Hygiene, and scrubbing the hub for at least five seconds followed by drying can reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections by 48–86%. Minimising device manipulation, such as using "to keep vein open" (TKVO) maintenance fluids for antibiotics further contributes to lowered infection risks. For central venous access devices (CVADs), patency is best maintained using appropriate syringe sizing (min 10ml) and pulsatile flushing (20 ml before/after medication administration) with positive pressure technique to prevent 99% of blood reflux, occlusion and catheter-related complications.
By aligning clinical practice with current evidence available, this research supports the delivery of patient-centred and evidence-based care, improves vascular health outcomes and enhances safety and quality in hospital settings. Importantly, ongoing education, supervision, and training for clinicians is essential to ensure consistent adherence to EBP, helping create a skilled workforce capable of delivering safe and effective vascular access management. This poster was selected as the winner of the Royal Brisbane and Women Hospital Vascular Access Devices Awareness Week 2025 Poster Competition for its clarity, creativity and strong focus on promoting safe and effective vascular access practices