Navigating Change in Emergency Care: Clinicians' Experience with New Vascular Access Devices

Hospitals are constantly innovating, introducing new medical devices to enhance patient care. However, the process of clinicians adapting to these innovations, especially in vascular access devices, is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of healthcare. A recent study delved into clinicians' experiences with a new guidewire peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) introduced in the emergency department (ED) setting, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in device adoption.

Study Overview

The study, conducted at two EDs in Queensland, Australia, took a qualitative explorative approach. Interviews were conducted with ED doctors and nurses involved in guidewire PIVC insertions, supplemented by field notes recorded during insertion procedures. Through inductive content analysis, key themes emerged, providing insights into clinicians' perspectives and experiences.

Key Themes

The study synthesized interviews from 10 participants and field notes from 191 observation episodes, revealing five key themes:

Diverse Experience: Clinicians had varied experiences with the new guidewire PIVC insertion process.
Barriers to Learning: Challenges related to the learning curve and adaptation to new techniques were highlighted.
Factors for Success: Factors influencing successful insertion were identified, emphasizing simplicity, safety, and familiarity.
Recommendations for Improvement: Clinicians provided recommendations to enhance device acceptance, focusing on comprehensive training and user-friendly design.
Optimizing Adoption: The study emphasized the importance of designing devices that align with familiar techniques, facilitating a smooth transition for clinicians.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Clinician adaptation to new devices is crucial for optimal patient care in emergency settings. The study underscores the importance of simplicity, safety, and familiarity in device design and training. Recommendations include comprehensive device training, hands-on sessions, diverse training resources, and continuous expert support to enhance clinician acceptance and successful adoption of new devices in ED settings.

Moving Forward

As healthcare continues to evolve, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation while prioritizing clinician experience and patient safety remains paramount. Collaborative efforts between device manufacturers, healthcare providers, and training experts can drive successful adoption of new technologies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in emergency care.

Read More: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38490874/ 

Authors: Hui Grace Xu, Areum Hyun, Evelyn Kang, Nicole Marsh, Amanda Corley