Vascular access devices include:
Vascular access devices are used for administration of fluids, blood products and medications directly into the bloodstream. They can also be used for monitoring of heart and blood pressure function, dialysis and collecting blood specimens (where appropriate).
Vascular access devices can increase the risk of healthcare associated infection, such as insertion site infections or, more seriously, blood stream infections (BSI). BSIs can cause serious illness and increase the risk of patient mortality, morbidity, and longer hospital stays.
As per the SA Health Infection Prevention and Control and Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Surveillance and Reporting Policy it is a SA Health requirement that SA Health healthcare facilities are compliant with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. This includes the safe insertion and management of invasive medical devices.
Further information regarding best practice guidelines is available via the links below:
Refer to local organisational wide instructions, policies and procedures.
It is a requirement of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards that health service organisations maintain systems to partner with consumers. This can include involving patients in their own care and ensuring they receive clear, practical information about their treatment.
When patients are well informed about their intravascular device, they may be more likely to:
Further information for patients and consumers is available as below:
Refer to your healthcare provider regarding local resources for patients/consumers.
For further information, contact your Local Health Network Infection Prevention and Control Unit, healthcare provider or SA Health's Infection Control Service.