The Experience of Setting up a Vascular Access Unit in a South European Large Hospital: The Step-by-Step Description of the First Year of Activity.

Abstract

Aim: The article aims to describe the establishment and development of the Vascular Access Unit in a major hospital in Southern Europe during the SARS-COV2 pandemic and to evaluate the benefits brought by the Unit.

Implications for the profession and patient care: The advantages of having a vascular access service for managing various vascular devices are widely recognized in many countries, due to the perceived benefits of reducing complications, increasing efficiency, and lowering costs.

Methods: Operators were thoroughly and appropriately trained, enhancing the quality and suitability of vascular access by forming a multidisciplinary team to redesign the vascular access process.

Results: In the first year, starting from July 2021, we implanted 6125 catheters. The Vascular Access Team achieved a higher percentage of first-attempt cannulation success, which correlated with fewer complications, such as bleeding, and improved patient satisfaction. The complication rate was very low, with most issues arising from improper management.

Conclusion: Establishing Vascular Access Teams should be a priority in large hospitals, as they can positively impact ward organization and significantly enhance patient satisfaction.