title: Best practices for vascular resource teams.
abstract: Converting a traditional intravenous (IV) team to a vascular resource team improves patient outcomes by empowering nurses to implement an evidence-based practice model of care. This model encourages staff nurses to learn comprehensive vascular care through education and training regarding access devices and IV therapy. Vascular resource nurses teach bedside nurses regarding best practice care for patients with complex vascular needs. This allows bedside nurses to become confident and competent in their vascular skills and knowledge. These improvements can lead to decreased catheter-related bloodstream infection rates and increased patient satisfaction scores. This article identifies best practices implemented in establishing and maintaining an effective vascular resource team.
authors.affiliation: Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, Pennsylvania, USA. jharpel@amh.org
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harpel
mesh_terms: D019985:Benchmarking; D001808:Blood Vessels; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009740:Nursing Staff; D058996:Quality Improvement