Vascular access devices (VADs), such as peripheral intravenous catheters, are essential in modern healthcare, but their insertion and maintenance often come with challenges like infection risks, cannulation failure, and patient discomfort. A new systematic review explores how Vascular Access Specialist Teams (VASTs) compare to standard practices in enhancing patient outcomes and preventing catheter failure. Study Overview
This systematic review, published in BMJ Open, analyzed data from 12 s...

Peripheral venous catheterization (PVC) is a cornerstone of healthcare, providing essential vascular access for a variety of treatments. However, ensuring safe and effective PVC care remains a challenge for nurses and clinicians worldwide. A recent analysis highlights the need for evidence-based practices in Portugal to bridge gaps in care and enhance outcomes for patients. The Current Landscape in Portugal
Despite advancements in healthcare, gaps persist in the management and care of periph...

Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are frequently used in pediatric care, but improper care can lead to complications such as infection or catheter failure. To address these issues, the I-DECIDED tool was developed to enhance PIVC assessment and decision-making. This tool empowers healthcare professionals to deliver better care by systematically evaluating the status of PIVCs and taking necessary actions. Study Overview
A quasi-experimental, interrupted time-series study was conducted ...

Andrea Valks joined Claire Rickard’s research group in Infection Prevention and Vascular Access on 13th January as a Clinical Project Manager. Prior to joining the group, Andrea worked for 11 years in clinical research at the Australasian Kidney Trials Network at the University of Queensland.  She will bring her extensive experience managing international Investigator Initiated clinical trials to the PIVO Trial,  which aims to examine whether the use of the PIVO Pro at the ini...

Arterial catheters are commonly used in perioperative care to monitor patients undergoing surgery. Despite their widespread use, the potential complications, such as thrombosis and infections, remain a concern. A new study evaluates these risks by focusing on the use of ultrasound to assess catheter-related outcomes and patient symptoms. Study Overview
This prospective study involved 339 patients who underwent elective surgery with arterial catheterization. Duplex ultrasound was used to eval...

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a vital part of pediatric care, providing essential access for treatments in critically ill children. However, dislodgement of these catheters is a common issue, leading to complications and increased healthcare costs. To address this, the SECURED trial tested a new subcutaneous anchor securement system (SASS) against traditional sutureless securement devices (SSDs) to determine which method better prevents catheter dislodgement in children. Study Overview...

Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are widely used in hospitals to administer treatments. However, they can lead to infections, increasing healthcare costs and putting patients at risk. To address this, researchers have developed a novel antimicrobial dressing aimed at reducing PIVC-related infections and complications like phlebitis. Study Overview
This randomized controlled trial, known as the ProP trial, aims to test whether a new chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-impregnated dressing i...

Peripheral intravenous catheter-associated phlebitis is a common yet serious complication in healthcare, particularly for critically ill patients. Phlebitis, which refers to the inflammation of a vein, can lead to discomfort, infections, and increased hospital stays. To address this, researchers have developed a machine learning (ML)-based model to predict the incidence of phlebitis, offering a proactive solution to prevent this complication. Study Overview
This study used the AMOR-VENUS dat...

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an extraordinary year of dedication, innovation, and impact within the AVATAR community. Here are some recent highlights from our incredible team: Dr Mari Takashima earned her PhD with a thesis featuring 5 published papers, combining clinical expertise, statistical acumen, and remarkable perseverance. Her work on childhood lung health promises a bright future ahead. Dr Amanda Corley was awarded the Australasian College for Infection Prev...

On November 17th, AVATAR and AVAS (Australian Vascular Access Society) conducted a very successful pre-conference, full-day workshop at this year’s Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) conference at the fabulous Melbourne Convention Centre. The event, kindly sponsored by Solventum, attracted great interest with 100 in-person participants and 30 online attendees. Themed “Let’s Rein in Blood Stream Infection from Vascular Catheters!”, the wor...