A Nurse-Led Ultrasound-Enhanced Vascular Access Preservation Program

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Vascular Access
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Peripheral intravenous catheter insertion is frequent in medical-surgical settings.
• Repeated attempts deplete usable peripheral veins, leading to overuse of central lines.
• Central line-associated bloodstream infections are a significant healthcare concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of a nurse-led vascular access preservation program.
• To reduce the use of nonessential peripherally inserted central catheters.
• To improve patient safety and reduce healthcare-associated infections.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a nurse-led vascular access preservation program.
• Utilization of ultrasound technology for peripheral IV catheter insertion.
• Focus on reducing nonessential central line catheter use.

Main Results:

• The program demonstrated a reduction in the use of unnecessary central line catheters.
• Preservation of peripheral vessels was enhanced through skilled nursing interventions.
• Potential for decreased rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections.

Conclusions:

• Nurse-led vascular access programs utilizing ultrasound are effective.
• Reducing central line catheter overuse is achievable through targeted interventions.
• This approach supports national healthcare priorities for patient safety.