Learning Center

There is increasing evidence on the function of needleless connectors (NC) and the amount of displacement of fluid and blood into and out of an NC. Published research provides evidence of how the pressure-activated diaphragms control displacement in NCs and how blood reflux and intraluminal occlusions are limited by these functions. Catheter loss of patency is a common problem exceeding 30% with peripheral and central catheters. In video format, blood flow around a catheter, flushing and valve function will be demonstrated as it relates to normal physiologic reflux in and around the tip of the catheter. The presentation will present the results of a systematic review on anti-reflux connectors and discuss the clinical impact leading to practice changes.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Evaluate the evidence associated with the science and function of needleless connectors    

• Describe the impact of pressure on fluid movement and normal patient activities    

• Discuss loss of patency and how control of reflux can reduce complications

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Lisa Gorski, MS, RN, HHCNS-BC, CRNI®, FAAN

Nancy Moureau, PhD, RN, CRNI®, CPUI™, VA-BC

Biological drug products (biologics) that contain, among others, proteins and monoclonal antibodies can only be administered parenterally (mostly, via an injection or infusion). Development of an injectable product, especially for biologics, is a lengthy and expensive process. This is related to the sensitive nature of biologics and the aim of having a user-friendly product that can ideally be administered at home by the patient directly. This presentation aims to provide deeper understanding about how development of biologics is designed in order to meet user requirements and capabilities. The product development process ranging from typical vialed product up to products coming in devices (such as auto-injectors or within body injection devices) will be outlined. The importance of understanding the product use and limitations will be highlighted to enable continuous improvement of the products and development strategies.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Discuss the properties of biologics that are important for the therapeutic outcome    

• Discuss crucial parts in the development of biologics that are tailored to enable optimal product use    

• Explain how multidisciplinary interactions improve the value of the product for the end-users

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Ahmad Sediq

We aim to master the precision required in ultrasound-guided peripheral catheter (USGPIV) placements in this comprehensive session designed for infusion nurses. We will delve into the critical guidelines recommending two-thirds (66%) catheter purchase within the vessel and explain the relationship between catheter length/vessel depth, functionality, and patient outcomes. This session provides a thorough exploration of the steps needed to calculate the appropriate catheter length based on vessel depth, supported by practical demonstrations on maintaining Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT®) and sterility during procedures. Participants will gain insights into the necessary supplies, from choosing the right catheters and probe covers to techniques for maintaining a sterile field. By analyzing case studies and participating in interactive discussions, attendees will enhance their skills in handling anatomical variations and ensuring patient comfort, ultimately leading to reduced complications and improved clinical outcomes. Join us to elevate your expertise in catheter placement with precision and confidence.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Define the current recommendations for catheter purchase within the vessel    

• Explain the importance of catheter purchase concerning functionality and dwell times    

• Apply techniques to calculate the required catheter length based on target vessel depth    

• Assess the range of catheter lengths available and their application in diverse clinical scenarios    

• Identify common challenges in catheter placement and strategies to overcome them for improved patient comfort and safety

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Casey Schuller, BSN, RN, VA-BC

It is recognized that poor usability has led to device operation errors that not only compromise effective patient treatment, monitoring, or diagnosis, but in some cases, may lead to severe injury or death. In environments where users are asked to multi-task, this can be further compounded by task saturation leading users to become overwhelmed, distracted, and forgetful when performing manual actions. For these reasons, it is imperative that industry and health care providers work collaboratively to improve medical device design, safety information, and training to mitigate use-related risks. This presentation will review crucial human factors to consider in new product development with real-life examples and an emphasis on the clinician’s important role in ensuring patient safety with new infusion therapy devices.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Define human factors engineering    

• Discuss real-world examples of clinician involvement in new product development    

• Appreciate the importance of human factors consideration and clinician input in new product development

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Mark R. Hunter, MS, BScN RN, CRNI®, VA-BC

Although IVSPs have been associated with decreases in medication errors, they have not eliminated error and have, in fact, been identified as a major safety hazard. We will share the findings from our FDA-funded study on IVSP medication administration practices for the 1.4 billion IVSP infusions in adults delivered annually during United States (US) hospital care. This is the first known study to empirically describe the vast scope of IVSP infusions in US health care. This session will provide a foundation for clinicians and researchers to more earnestly address this critical and largely underrecognized patient safety issue.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Describe the multiple safety and usability issues associated with IVSPs    

• Discuss the current state of the science of evidence-based IVSP research    

• Describe the vast scope of IVSP medication delivery and the clinical implications related to current practice    

• Critically evaluate how the findings from this program of IVSP safety and usability research can be used to improve current clinical practice and drive future IVSP device innovation

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Karen Giuliano, PhD, RN

Dan Degnan, PharmD, MS, CPPS, FASHP

Veterans face complex health issues that can include both physical and emotional injuries resulting from their military service. The environment in which military service personnel live and work can create risks for a wide array of health conditions. Without an effective process to assess and manage these risks, veterans may experience inequities in how clinicians care for them, which can lead to health disparities. This session will provide participants with an overview of the complexity of caring for military veterans and solutions to help prepare health care workers to provide better, and more holistic care to veterans.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Describe health risk factors commonly associated with military service    

• Discuss how to reduce health disparities for veterans through enhanced communication and information sharing within the patient-provider encounter    

• Describe the action planning steps to promote an equitable health care experience for veterans 

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Shannon Davila, MSN, RN, CPPS, CPHQ, CIC, FAPIC

Patients with limited mobility may pose unique challenges when vascular access is required. It is not unusual for nurses to encounter patients unable to assist with optimal positioning or with significant contractures in need of vascular access. Unfortunately, patients in this population are also at increased risk for fractures and other iatrogenic injuries related to procedural positioning. Such preventable injuries add to already complex comorbidities. In this session, we will review case studies of injuries related to procedural positioning and brainstorm alternative approaches to maximize successful vascular access in patients with alterations in mobility.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Anticipate vascular access challenges based on patient mobility limitations    

• Discuss potential iatrogenic injuries related to procedural positioning for vascular access    

• Employ alternative positioning approaches for vascular access procedures in patients with alterations in mobility 

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Britt Meyer, PhD, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC, NE-BC

Violence in home health care settings is a multifaceted issue that affects nurses, patients, and families alike. In the home infusion field, complex patient conditions and family dynamics can lead to violent situations, including instances where patients are abused by family members or where family members exhibit violent behavior toward health care providers. This session will explore these challenges and provide strategies for recognizing and managing such situations. We will delve into available resources and support mechanisms for both victims and abusers, aiming to promote safety and well-being for all involved. Attendees will learn to identify risk factors, implement preventative measures, and understand legal and ethical obligations, including how to access and refer individuals to appropriate support services.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Understand the correlation between specific patient conditions, family dynamics, and the potential for violence in home infusion settings

• Identify risk factors and warning signs of violent behavior and potential abuse involving patients and family members    

• Implement effective prevention and de-escalation strategies to manage violent situations safely    

• Navigate legal and ethical responsibilities related to reporting, documentation, and connecting victims and abusers with appropriate resources    

• Be aware of the current legal protections for health care workers against workplace violence    

• Be able to apply guidance from today’s session to help prevent workplace violence

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Marvin Siegel, BS, RN, CRNI®

This session will discuss the expansion of the scope of practice for registered nurses (RNs) to include the skill set of midline catheter insertion with the use of ultrasound. Prior to the COVID pandemic, nurses in Poland were limited in their scope of practice; however, the need for expansion was outlined during this time. In this session, attendees will gain insight to the challenges and success associated with this expansion of this skill set in Poland and how international collaboration helped guide this practice change.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Discuss the relevance for the need for practice change in Poland

• Understand how international collaboration within the specialty can guide advancements

• Describe the process of introducing changes and improving practice in the example of a country with a different culture of education, organization, and management    

• Discuss the barriers slowing down the development of nursing and methods that can support this process    

• Explain the role of an orderly and patient process of introducing changes, considering the role of leaders and flexibility in overcoming barriers

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Maciej Latos, PhD, MSc

This presentation aims to provide clinicians with strategies to apply evidence-based practices for effective central vascular access device (CVAD) securement, using case studies to highlight the challenges of maintaining securement while managing costs and improving patient outcomes. This presentation will review relevant literature, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and cohort studies. It will also discuss clinical and patient outcomes, along with findings from the SECURED trial—the first adequately powered randomized controlled trial to evaluate clinical, patient, staff, and health economic outcomes.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Consider advantages and disadvantages of various securement as well as appropriate times to use each type    

• Describe the published literature, including systematic review and meta-analysis in different patient and catheter cohorts, and where relevant, apply this to their own practice    

• Discuss strategies to overcome barriers to implementing evidence-based practice into their clinical environment

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Tricia Kleidon, MNSc, RN, BNSc

Catheter micromotion is a commonly discussed, yet poorly defined phenomenon that is believed to contribute to catheter failure due to abrasion of the internal lining of the vessel and blood clot formation. Although anecdotal reports of catheter micromotion causing vessel injury and peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) failure exist, no evidence exists to measure or define catheter micromotion or evaluate the importance of this. This presentation will include results of a clinical trial that measured the extent of catheter micromotion using 2D and 3D ultrasound and whether additional stabilization of the catheter hub reduced catheter micromotion, adverse events, superficial venous thrombosis, and improved patient comfort. Catheter micromotion was assessed during clinician interaction with the extension set and between AM and PM timepoints to evaluate micromotion during patients’ activities of daily living. The results of this trial are not yet analyzed and will be provided during the presentation. This trial will help to evaluate future catheter designs to reduce catheter micromotion and to assess the impact of motion on catheter patency in humans.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

• Discuss the nature of catheter micromotion; how much and in what directions the catheter moves inside the vein

• Describe the importance of catheter micromotion on vascular injury and thrombosis and determine whether additional stabilization of catheter hubs have the potential to reduce motion during clinician use

• Determine whether additional stabilization of catheter hubs have the potential to reduce motion during activities of daily living

• Assess whether new devices have the potential to reduce micromotion and improve patient outcomes (ie, catheter dwell time and failure)

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Andrew Bulmer, PhD