Learning Center
The Implications of Inconsistent Central Venous Access Devices (CVAD) Terminology on Patient Safety and Research Rigor [virtual]
A scoping review, which mapped nomenclature used in international literature, identified lack of a common language to describe central venous access devices (CVADs), the recording and describing of complications associated with them, and the reasons for premature removal. Lack of standardized terminology in health care negatively impacts patient safety, increases risk of adverse events, and hampers rigorous research. A lack of shared language hampers communication between health care professionals and across organizations as patients transition through their care. Research protocols cannot draw on evidence-informed definitions, and it hampers data sharing and enablement of standardized, evidence-based practice. In this session, we will discuss the rationale for why a standardized CVAD nomenclature is required.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the findings of the scoping review.
- Discuss the implications of the lack of a common language for clinical practice and research.
- Outline national implementation of standardized terminology in cancer care in Australia.
Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2
Kerrie Curtis, MN, BN, RN
Kerrie Curtis is a senior cancer nurse with 30 years of experience, specializing in vascular access. Since 2015, Kerrie has led a series of implementation initiatives influencing policy and clinical practice: she colead at Austin Health (3 campuses) to reduce central venous access device (CVAD) related bloodstream infections; she was a project manager at The Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital to implement standardized, evidence-based practice for all CVAD types and all patient populations; she was an invited nurse consultant with Safer Care Victoria for the Infections Associated with Devices Working Group and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care for the Management of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Clinical Care Standard; she was a project manager and a chair at the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) Vascular Access Specialist Practice Network; and she was the first author of peer-reviewed national clinical CVAD resources in cancer care with Cancer Institute of New South Wales. Kerrie is Victorian Chapter Lead for Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR), a member of Association of Vascular Access (AVA) and the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), and a state representative for the Australian Vascular Access Society. Kerrie is a recognized and invited speaker nationally in vascular access in cancer care: she was invited to speak at AVA scientific meeting in 2021, was a recipient of AVA Foundation Scholarship to travel to 33rd AVA Scientific Meeting in 2020, and was awarded the Nicole King Scholarship, University of Melbourne in 2023. Clinically, Kerrie works at Austin Health and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Key:
Complete
Next
Failed
Available
Locked