Archive May 2008
Japanese IV Clinic
First of all oxygen bars, then ice bars! Now we have IV clinics offering intravenous drips to stressed and exhausted workers. A Tokyo clinic treats up to 50 run down businessmen a day. The intravenous drip costs as little as 2000 yen ($20). The cheapest option, a 10-minute drip contains saline solution and vitamins B6, B12 and [...]
Vascular Access Meeting
The 4th St George’s Hospital Vascular Access Meeting has put out a call for abstract from medical and nursing teams. The meeting is planned for the 19th September 2008. The venue will be the Royal College of Surgeons, London, UK. The theme for the meeting will be ‘Vascular Access Care – Newer Surgical Techniques. Click [...]
Smart infusion
Linda Murdoch and Victoria Cameron from St George’s hospital, London, UK have recently published a smart infusion technology article in the British Journal of Nursing. Murdoch L.J. and Cameron V.L. (2008) Smart infusion technology: a minimum safety standard for intensive care? British Journal of Nursing. 17(10), p.630-636. Abstract: “There is overwhelming evidence that medication errors present [...]
Drug calculations for nurses
Kerri Wright a Senior Lecturer at the University of Greenwich, London, UK has written a series of two articles describing the issue of drug calculations. Wright K. (2008) Drug calculations part 1: a critique of the formula used by nurses. Nursing Standard. 22(36), p.40-42. Abstract: “The role of mathematics is integral to nursing practice, and [...]
Home IV therapy
Alison Cousins et al (2008) describe international experiences with home IV treatment for Fabry disease. Cousins A., Lee P., Rorman D., Raas-Rothschild A., Banikazemi M., Waldek S. and Thompson L. (2008) Home-based infusion therapy for patients with Fabry disease. British Journal of Nursing. 17(10), p.53-57. Abstract: “Fabry disease is an inherited, progressive, life-threatening disease; therefore, [...]
Refeeding syndrome
Mary Ann Yantis and Robyn Velander have recently published an article that examines the issues of refeeding syndrome. Yantis M.A. and Velander R. (2008) How to recognize and respond to refeeding syndrome. Nursing2008. 38(5), p.34-39. Abstract: “Severely malnourished patients can experience significant fluid shifts and electrolyte imbalances after aggressive nutritional is initiated. This potentially lethal disorder, [...]
Heparin flushes
The use of heparin has suddenly come under the spotlight in the UK. However, the reason for this attention is different to previous concerns in countries such as the US. “An independent report has recently been published reviewing the circumstances of four patient safety incidents where an anaesthetist mis-selected sodium heparin 25,000 units in 5 ml (Monoparin) instead of [...]
What is a PICC?
It is always helpful to have introductory type materials available that can begin to explain complex vascular access devices. This particular article is aimed at the Emergency Responder, however anyone looking for a basic introductory description of central venous access devices will benefit from this article. The author, Marc A. Minkler, NREMT-P, CCEMT-P, is a paramedic/firefighter with [...]
Topical local anaesthesia review
Various topical local anaesthetics are commercially available. This randomized double-blind trial reviews two alternative products. Arendts G., Stevens M. and Fry M. (2008) Topical anaesthesia and intravenous cannulation success in paediatric patients: a randomized double-blind trial. British Journal of Anaesthesia. 100(4), p.521-4. Abstract: “It is not known whether the choice of topical anaesthetic influences the likelihood [...]
Distraction ‘v’ pain during cannulation
This small inventive study illustrates the potentional of a novel approach to distraction during cannulation. Agarwal A., Yadav G., Gupta D., Tandon M., Singh P.K. and Singh U. (2008) The role of a flash of light for attenuation of venous cannulation pain: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Anesthesia & Analgesia. 106(3), p.814-6. Abstract: “Venous cannulation is often [...]
Reducing hemolyzed samples in ED
Hemolyzed samples from the emergency department are common place. This article demonstrates the sampling from IV catheters may increase the incidence of hemolysis. Lowe G., Stike R., Pollack M., Bosley J., O’Brien P., Hake A., Landis G., Billings N., Gordon P., Manzella S. and Stover T. (2008) Nursing blood specimen collection techniques and hemolysis rates in an emergency department: [...]
Medication safety and job satisfaction
Medication safety, nursing, job satisfaction and management go hand-in-hand. Bowcutt M., Rosenkoetter M.M., Chernecky C.C., Wall J., Wynn D. and Serrano C (2008) Implementation of an intravenous medication infusion pump system: implications for nursing. Journal of Nursing Management. 16(20, p.188-97. Abstract: “To assess perceptions of nurses regarding the implementation of intravenous medication infusion system technology and its [...]
Neonatal vascular access
Articles that report on neonatal vascular access are not commonplace. Therefore, we are pleased to draw your attention to this recent article. Ramasethu J. (2008) Complications of vascular catheters in the neonatal intensive care unit. Clinics in Perinatology. 35(1), p.199-222. Abstract: “Insertion of an intravascular catheter is the most common invasive procedure in the neonatal ICU. [...]
Impressive fall in needlestick injuries
These authors have demonstrated an impressive fall in needlestick injuries with minimal cost outlay. Whitby M., McLaws M.L. and Slater K (2008) Needlestick injuries in a major teaching hospital: the worthwhile effect of hospital-wide replacement of conventional hollow-bore needles. American Journal of Infection Control. 36(3), p.180-6. Abstract: “Needlestick injury (NSI) with hollow-bore needles remains a [...]
Vacancy – IV Therapy Practitioner
I have just read that Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is advertising for a Band 6 (22.5 hours) IV Therapy Practitioner. “Our team comprises of dedicated paediatric nurses working collaboratively within a friendly, dynamic department to deliver family-centered care that meets the individual needs of every child. And you will take their skills to the next level alongside RSCN or [...]
HepC contamination – CDC full report
The Morbitity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from the CDC into “Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infections Attributed to Unsafe Injection Practices at an Endoscopy Clinic, Nevada, 2007″ has been published. The report is very thorough, it describes the investigation and highlights how the contamination may have occurred. Click here for the full report. The CDC write “On January 2, 2008, [...]
Last chance – free study day
Last chance to attend the Epic2 & Saving Lives Implementation Study Day. London 2nd June SOLD OUT Bristol 3rd June Few free tickets remain Birmingham 4th June SOLD OUT Manchester 5th June SOLD OUT A free study day aimed at helping your Trust implement national guidelines in preventing infections and to help save even more [...]
Photosensitivity with Cipro
Medscape has recently reported that “The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved safety labeling revisions to advise of the risks for photosensitivity and phototoxicity in patients receiving treatment with quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, updated information regarding the risk for cardiomyopathy in patients receiving trastuzumab therapy, and the potential for developing Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea more [...]
CDC report on hepatitis cases
The New York times reports that “Health care workers at a Las Vegas endoscopy clinic linked to more than 80 cases of hepatitis C routinely mishandled injection equipment and medication vials and often failed to perform basic hand hygiene, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Friday”. The article also explains the [...]
Postoperative pain in children
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) write – Postoperative pain in children with cancer can be safely managed with simultaneous epidural and intravenous opioids, according to researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Anghelescu D.L., Ross C.E., Oakes L.L. and Burgoyne L.L. (2008) The Safety of Concurrent Administration of Opioids via Epidural and Intravenous Routes for [...]
Journal of Infusion Nursing
The May 2008 edition of the The Journal of Infusion Nursing has been published. The content of this edition includes: Hall G. and Esser E. (2008) Challenges of care for the patient with acute kidney injury. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 31(3), p.150-156. Abstract “Acute kidney injury (AKI) can be a devastating problem for hospitalized patients. Whether it [...]
Improving patient safety
Simon Keady and Meera Thacker offer an insight into the rationale and steps being taken in response to recent NPSA alerts. Reference Keady S. and Thacker M. (2008) National Patient Safety Agency: Improving patient safety across all critical care areas. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing. 24, p.137-140. “The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) reviews patient safety [...]
Arterial blood gas analysis
Jacqueline Coggon a clinical educator at King’s Mill Hospital, UK has published an article on understanding ABG reports. Reference Coggon J.M. (2008) Arterial blood gas analysis 1: Understanding ABG reports. Nursing Times. 104(18), p.28-29. “This is the first of a two-part unit on arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, and focusses on background information and basic interpretation [...]
Umbilical cord blood
Collection of cord blood at birth will be regulated for the first time in the UK under new rules announced by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) to ensure safety and traceability. The trend of collecting cord blood in public or private banks for potential medical applications, including the treatment of leukaemia, has grown more popular in [...]
Award for training simulator
Dr David Kessel and team from Leeds, UK have come second in its category at the NHS National Technology awards in London. “The simulator uses virtual reality technology to train people in the skill of ultrasound-guided needle insertion”. Click here for the full story.
JVAD spring 2008
The spring edition of the The Journal of the Association of Vascular Access has been published. The content of this edition includes: Dawson R.B. (2008) Nursing Beyond the “Process”: Collegiality and Consultation Improves Outcomes by Protecting the ftissue Integrity of PICC Insertions Sites. The Journal of the Association of Vascular Access. 13(1), p.8. Abstract “On a [...]
Infection control survey
The RCN are seeking views on infection control. The RCN are developing a robust strategy for infection prevention and control. When you complete the online survey remember to add www.ivteam.com to your response for question 17 Click here to complete the online survey from the RCN.
Prescription only cannulae
It has been reported by an NHS hospital that enforcing stricter requests for cannulation has dramatically reduced the incidence of MRSA bacteraemias. The Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust have started to have cannula insertions ‘prescribed’, in addition they ensure cannula sites are checked at least daily using a scorecard system. “Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS [...]
Techniques for declotting VAD’s
On the third day of the 35th INS conference in Phoenix, Arizona, Jennifer Estela-Stollwerk, BSN, CRNI provided us with an extensive overview of techniques used for the declotting of venous devices. Jennifer described how 42% of catheter occlusions may be attributed to non-thrombotic events such as lipid deposits. The remaining 58% are described as thrombotic. Jennifer described the use of [...]
CathRite at INS
During our time at the 35th INS conference in Phoenix, Arizona we have viewed many products at the industrial exhibition. However, one product stood out from the rest. This product was innovative, easy to use and appears to have been designed with both patient and clinician needs in mind. As we know, ensuring accurate PICC tip [...]
Marcia Ryder on biofilm
Marcia Ryder PhD, MS, RN began her session at the 35th INS conference in Phoenix, Arizona with a stark reminder. She told the assemble audience that during her one hour presentation something in the region of 30 people will die in the US of a healthcare associated infection (HCAI)! The audience are then informed of [...]
INS 2008 kicks off in style
The 35th INS conference in Phoenix, Arizona commenced in style this morning at 8am with a keynote address from Tom Hayes who left the audience with tears in their eyes. Tom brought humour to the proceedings whilst delivering his message of live, love, laugh and learn. This was followed by the first general session ‘models of care for [...]
