Equipos de infusión y acceso vascular como estrategia para afrontar los desafíos futuros de la terapia intravenosa

This special article addresses a highly relevant issue in healthcare, where the demand for care and attention has significantly increased, coinciding with a progressively aging population and the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions. These factors pose considerable challenges for contemporary healthcare systems. Vascular access devices, including peripheral intravenous catheters, are widely utilized for intravenous therapy in hospitals; however, they are associated with risks and complications. Nearly 50% of these catheters are removed in an unplanned manner, which exacerbates the problem of catheter-associated bloodstream infections, leading to serious consequences such as increased mortality and higher hospital costs.

Despite the interventions proposed by governmental organizations aimed at reducing these complications and enhancing healthcare quality, achieving this goal requires comprehensive knowledge and resources. This includes the use of various lancing devices and technologies, highlighting the imperative need for coordinated and collaborative actions by multidisciplinary teams. Moreover, the importance of professional specialization is crucial for transforming work dynamics into effective collaborative practices. In this context, Vascular Access Specialist Teams (VAST) have the potential to improve patient health, alleviate the discomfort associated with catheterization, and enhance patient satisfaction. They present a promising solution for optimizing the delivery of intravenous therapy and future challenges in this field.