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The state of vascular access teams: results of a European survey
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  • Noemí Cortés Rey ,
  • Fulvio Pinelli,
  • Fredericus van Loon,
  • Jennifer Caguioa,
  • Gema Munoz Mozas,
  • Vincent Piriou,
  • Ulf Teichgräber,
  • Didier Lepelletier,
  • Baudolino Mussa
Noemí Cortés Rey
Hospital Teresa Herrera, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña

Corresponding Author:noemi.cortes.rey@sergas.es

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Fulvio Pinelli
University Hospital Careggi
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Fredericus van Loon
Catharina Hospital
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Jennifer Caguioa
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
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Gema Munoz Mozas
Royal Marsden NHS Trust
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Vincent Piriou
Hospices Civils de Lyon
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Ulf Teichgräber
University Hospital Jena
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Didier Lepelletier
University Hospital Centre Nantes
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Baudolino Mussa
University of Turin
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Abstract

Background: Many European health institutions have appointed multidisciplinary teams for the general management of vascular access to help improve efficiency, patient safety and reduce costs. Vascular access teams (VATs), or infusion teams, are specifically trained groups of healthcare professionals who assess, place, manage and monitor various outcomes and aspects of vascular access care. Objective: To assess the current landscape of vascular access management as a discipline across Europe. Methods: A Faculty of European VAT leads and experts developed a survey of 20 questions which was disseminated across several European countries. Questions focused on respondent and institution profile, vascular access device selection and placement, monitoring and reporting of complications, and access to training and education. The 1449 respondents included physicians, nurses, anaesthetists, radiologists and surgeons from public and private institutions ranging in size. Results: Availability of dedicated VATs vary by country, institution size, and institution type. Institutions with a VAT are more likely to utilise a tool (e.g., algorithm or guideline) to determine the appropriate vascular access device (55% vs 38%, p < 0.0002) and to have feedback on systematic monitoring of complications (40% vs 28%, p = 0.015). Respondents from institutions with a VAT are more likely to have received training on vascular access management (79% vs 53%, p < 0.0001) and indicated that the VAT was a source of support when difficulties arise. Conclusion: The survey results highlight some of the potential benefits of implementing a dedicated VAT including use of a broader range of vascular access devices, increased awareness of the presence of vascular access policies, increased likelihood of recent vascular access training, and increased rates of systematic monitoring of associated complications. The study reveals potential areas for further focus in the field of vascular access care, specifically examining the direct impact of vascular access teams.
11 Jun 2021Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
12 Jun 2021Submission Checks Completed
12 Jun 2021Assigned to Editor
01 Jul 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
27 Jul 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Jul 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
25 Aug 20211st Revision Received
27 Aug 2021Submission Checks Completed
27 Aug 2021Assigned to Editor
27 Aug 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Aug 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
10 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Accept