Evaluation of Indicators of a Vascular Access Device Program led by Nursing Professionals in a High-complexity University Hospital in Colombia

OBJECTIVE. This work sought to evaluate result indicators of the specialized vascular access program led by nursing during the period between 01 January 2018 and 31 December 2019 at Fundación Cardioinfantil -Instituto de Cardiología (Colombia). METHODS. This was a retrospective descriptive study based on medical records of 1,210 patients who received insertion of vascular access devices by the specialized group of nurses. Result indicators are described. RESULTS. Of all the patients who received insertion of a vascular access catheter, 53.1% were women, with mean age of 34.2 years, admitted to critical care services with cardiovascular problems and sepsis (90.2%). Placement of the peripherally inserted central catheter, midline and arterial was echo-guided between 91% and 100%, with a success rate on the first puncture of 66%. The average duration time of the peripherally inserted central catheter was 25.3 days, that of the midline catheter was 8 days, with a reach of 57% until the end of the treatment. The rate observed per catheter-days of overall phlebitis was 2.03, for positive blood culture of the central peripheral insertion device was 1.9 and thrombosis of 0.50; and arterial line thrombosis was 11.7. CONCLUSION. The Vascular Access Device Program led by nursing reported rational use of these elements with structured therapeutic purposes according with the complexity of the patients admitted to hospitalization. Improvement plans must be implemented to increase efficacy in post-admission insertion times, reduce infection rate and thrombosis through effective follow-up and control mechanisms.