Mickey Hawes Clatterbridge Study Interview In this 3-minute interview, Mickey Hawes, RN, DNP, CRNI, VA-BC, ACRP-CP discusses a 2023 article published in the Journal of Vascular Access, “A retrospective study of subcutaneous anchor securement systems in oncology patients”, also referred to as “The Clatterbridge Study”, and what it means for patients with a peripherally-inserted central…
Unlocking the Power of Vascular Access Teams: A Strategy to Reduce Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections The reduction and ultimate prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) is a key step to improving overall inpatient outcomes. And specially trained vascular access clinicians are key to making that reality possible. Bloodstream infections are a life-threatening challenge to the patient…
New Study Comparing Benefits of SecurAcath to Adhesive Securement Devices Last month, the findings from a peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) securement study at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in England were published in the Journal of Vascular Access by authors Carol McCormick, Mickey Hawes and Gregory Gilbert. The article expanded on the data set first…
Does the Securement of Drains Matter?Guest Author: M.L. Hawes, DNP, CRNI, VA-BC, ACRP-CP Consider: What is the difference between a vascular access round-tube in a vein to infuse life-saving medications or a drainage round-tube to relieve the body of excess life-ending fluids? Both round tubes need to be secured to accomplish the therapeutic goal. Drains…
Vascular Access Device Pistoning: The Problem and SolutionGuest Author: Michelle (Mickey) Hawes, RN, DNP, CRNI, VA-BC, ACRP-CP Pistoning is a term used in the vascular access specialty to describe the small, repeated movement of a peripheral vascular access device (PVAD) or central venous access device (CVAD) in and out at the insertion site. Movement may…
Vascular Access Device Outcomes: Superior Securement Healthcare professionals often face challenges with the securement of vascular access devices (VADs). These challenges can lead to complications such as dislodgement, migration and infection. Best practice guidelines recommend that all vascular access devices (VADs) be secured to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. There is a variety of…
Vascular Access: Target Acquired. Anchored in Position. Mission Accomplished. An overarching goal of Vascular Access Specialists is to expertly provide a patient with a reliable vascular access device that will last until the end of need; for the ‘life of the line’. In her Vascular Access Talk at the 2022 AVA Scientific Meeting titled “Target…
As 2022 ends, we would like to thank you for reading the Eloquest Healthcare Blog! We hope you have found our posts during the last 12 months to be both informative and impactful to your professional career. Here are some of the past year’s highlights that we invite you to visit… One of our favorite…
A Decade of Security – New Study Adds Much Needed Data Comparing CVAD Securement MethodsImportance of PICC Securement Patients who require central venous access devices (CVAD) to monitor laboratory values and receive cancer treatments, blood transfusions or other drugs may receive a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Best practices have been established for proper PICC…
3 Questions with Mary Smith, RN, VA-BC, President, CVC Healthcare, LLC Our “3 Questions with…” vlog series features some of the finest thought leaders in healthcare specialties such as Infection Prevention, Vascular Access, and more. These experts answer questions on the latest insights, evidence and current practices. For our newest “3 Questions With…” vlog, Eloquest…