Vascular access device type for systemic anti-cancer therapies: a scoping review protocol

Vascular access devices (VADs) are the most common invasive procedure performed in acute medicine and cancer patients undergo multiple invasive vascular access procedures. Our aim is to identify the type of evidence available regarding the best choice of VAD for cancer patients undergoing systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT). In this article, the authors frame the scoping review protocol used, which will systematically report all published and unpublished literature around the use of VADs for the infusion of SACT in oncology.

For studies to be included, they must focus on people or populations aged 18 years or older and report on vascular access in cancer patients. The concept is the variety of VAD use in cancer and reported insertion and post-insertion complications. The context surrounds the intravenous treatment of SACT whether in a cancer centre or non-cancer setting.

The JBI scoping review methodology framework will guide the conduct of this scoping review. Electronic databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Medline and Embase) will be searched. Grey literature sources and the reference lists of key studies will be reviewed to identify those appropriate for inclusion. No date limits will be used in the searches and studies will be limited to the English language. Two reviewers will independently screen all titles and abstracts and full-text studies for inclusion, and a third reviewer will arbitrate disagreements. All bibliographic data, study characteristics and indicators will be collected and charted using a data extraction tool.