Prolonging access function and survival: the nurse's role

Vascular access is the lifeline of all patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD). In a recent patient satisfaction survey, the area of vascular access and needling technique was highlighted as an area with the need for improvement. This is addressed in this paper by the formulation of: Individual Access Vulnerability Score; an Access Care Plan, and implementation of a staff cannulation training programme. Addressing these three areas of practice with a structured programme not only assists staff to develop and value patient access but ultimately provides a higher quality of service. Patient satisfaction, access complications, staff knowledge, and clinical abilities can all be improved by the implementation of a more structured approach to developing and valuing vascular access.