This Supplement includes articles from the US-based Association for Vascular Access (AVA) and the Canadian Vascular Access Association (CVAA). Here are some observations on these articles from a UK point of view.
A 2% taurolidine catheter lock solution prevents catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and catheter dysfunction in haemodialysis patients
I was interested to read this AVA article. In this study, the effectiveness and safety of a catheter lock solution containing 2% taurolidine without citrate or heparin (TauroSept®, Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland) in haemodialysis patients was investigated. The results were very promising with an observed catheter-related bloodstream infection rate of 0 per 1000 catheter days.
TauroSept is classed as a medical device in the UK and, in this case, a prescription is not required for its use. This has many advantages and, in my own clinical practice, I have seen great results in clearing candida from tunnelled catheters using TauroSept as a treatment and as a prophylactic lock.
Innovative approaches to teaching vascular access to nursing students in the COVID-19 era
An innovative strategy to upskill the student nursing body with cannulation and venepuncture competencies to aid in coping with the pressures of COVID-19 surges in an acute Canadian hospital is discussed in this article from the CVAA.
This interesting article outlines a structured and diverse learning platform used to rapidly teach and assess competency for intravenous cannulation and venepuncture for nursing students. This is a concept that I know is coming to the UK student nurse curriculum and something that is already happening in my own organisation.
This study shows that, with the correct approach, nursing students can be taught these advanced skills before qualifying, enabling them to work more effectively when they qualify and to work independently.