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Published on: July 13, 2019

A guide to the use and care of vascular access devices in the palliative care setting

Linda J Kelly1

  • 1University of the West of Scotland School of Health, Hamilton, Scotland. linda.kelly@uws.ac.uk

International Journal of Palliative Nursing
|November 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Healthcare professionals must understand various vascular access devices and their maintenance to prevent complications. This overview covers device types and routine care procedures for palliative care patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Devices
  • Palliative Care
  • Vascular Access

Background:

  • Increasing use of vascular access devices (VADs) across healthcare settings.
  • Need for healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable about VADs.
  • VAD care is critical for preventing patient complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of VADs encountered in palliative care.
  • To outline routine maintenance procedures for VADs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of VAD types.
  • Summary of current best practices for VAD maintenance.

Main Results:

  • Identification of common VADs in palliative care.
  • Description of essential maintenance protocols.

Conclusions:

  • Awareness of VAD types and proper maintenance is essential for palliative care providers.
  • Adherence to maintenance guidelines minimizes VAD-related complications.

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