Subcutaneous infusions: a safe, effective, and acceptable alternative vascular access route Venous depletion and the physical and psychological trauma of peripheral venipuncture are a growing concern. Is there a safe, effective and perhaps easy alternative? We now have strong evidence to add subcutaneous access as an appropriate route for subcutaneous hydration infusions for older adults and some evidence for pediatric and perhaps palliative patients for management of mild to moderate d...

Needleless connectors are commonly used with continuous infusions, but is this best practice? Back in the not-so-good ol' days when we knew less about bloodstream infections, we'd quickly wipe the rubber cap with an alcohol wipe before connecting a needle to the secondary line and inserting this into the primary line via the rubber cap. We then applied paper tape to keep it in place for the duration of the medication administration. Needlestick injuries were common! Needleless conne...