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It suggests that patients accept having a CVAD as it should reduce episodes of repeated cannulations. However, a recent doctoral study found the reality did not live up to this hope” Kelly et al (2019).

Abstract

Background: the literature on the patient experience of living with a central venous access device (CVAD) is growing, but remains sparse. It suggests that patients accept having a CVAD as it should reduce episodes of repeated cannulations. However, a recent doctoral study found the reality did not live up to this hope.

Aim: the study objective was to uncover the global, cross-disease experience of patients with CVADs.

Method: an online survey was sent to an international sample of people living with CVADs.

Findings: 74 people from eight countries responded. Respondents corroborated the PhD findings: painful cannulation attempts continued after CVAD insertion because of a lack of clinical knowledge. Participants lost trust in clinicians and feared complications due to poor practice.

Conclusion: clinicians often lack the necessary skills to care and maintain CVADs. This leads to a negative patient experience.

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Reference:

Kelly, L.J., Snowden, A., Paterson, R. and Campbell, K. (2019) Health professionals’ lack of knowledge of central venous access devices: the impact on patients. British Journal of Nursing. 28(14), p.S4–S14. doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2019.28.14.S4.