When it comes to vascular access devices (VADs), securement is more than a technical detail—it is the foundation of safe and effective care. For nurses at the frontlines of care, catheter dislodgement looms large as a constant risk—threatening device failure, delays in care, and increased costs. Pediatric patients are vulnerable to dislodgements—particularly during dressing changes.

Despite the risks associated with dislodgement, the advanced securement devices recommended in the Infusion Nursing Society’s Standards of Practice¹ remain underutilized.

Possible reasons for underuse include: a lack of awareness among nurses, inconsistent training, and the challenge of balancing cost with patient safety.

Types of advanced securement devices include:

• Adhesive securement device (ASD): uses a sticky base and locking clasps to adhere the catheter to the skin. These are also known as Sutureless Securement Devices (SSDs).
• Integrated securement device (ISD): combines adhesive securement with a transparent dressing for dual functionality.
• Subcutaneous anchored securement system (SASS): uses flexible nitinol anchors inserted just beneath the skin to stabilize the catheter at the insertion site.

• Tissue Adhesive (TA): a medical-grade cyanoacrylate glue that can seal the insertion site and can bond the catheter to the skin under the catheter hub.

The recent SECURED trial², led by Tricia Kleidon, RN, MNursPrac published in JAMA Pediatrics (2024) compared rates of catheter dislodgement for two widely used advanced securement devices— Subcutaneously Anchored Securement Systems (SASS) and Sutureless Securement Devices (SSDs) among pediatric patients with non cuffed central venous catheters.

Key findings:

• Patients in the SASS group experienced significantly fewer catheter dislodgements (5.2%) compared to those in the SSD group (22.7%)
• SASS outperformed SSDs in terms of safety (fewer complications including infections and mechanical failures).
• SASS was more cost effective than SSD with a per-patient savings of $36.60 Australian Dollars ($22.70 US Dollars)

These findings highlight the superiority of SASS for preventing dislodgement and improving patient outcomes, particularly in high-risk populations such as pediatrics.

For patients, especially children, the shift to advanced securement systems like SASS means fewer complications, less disruption, and more reliable care.

In a recent interview, Kleidon provided thoughts on how healthcare organizations and nursing leaders can help to bridge the evidence-practice gap for use of advanced securement devices:

“…healthcare institutions and nursing leaders need to prioritise education on evidence-based securement techniques, expand access to innovative, cost-effective securement solutions, and implement standardised protocols advocating for evidence-based practices. Standardisation would not only ensure consistent care across diverse healthcare settings but also provide nurses with clear guidelines for choosing the most effective securement method for each situation.”

“By investing in better training, modern securement options, and standardised protocols, we can not only ease the burden on nurses but also improve patient outcomes. After all, secure catheters mean fewer complications, less stress for everyone involved, and more time spent delivering the care that matters most.” (Tricia Kleidon, MNurs Prac, email communication, Jan. 2025)

Eloquest Healthcare is committed to providing solutions that can help improve catheter securement and decrease complications while reducing unnecessary costs. For more information about SecurAcath®, please call 1‐877‐433‐7626 or complete this form.