Standardization of intravascular therapy through catheter clinics

Abstract

Introduction: To standardize the management of patients requiring the insertion of a central or peripheral venous catheter and to support the Bacteremia Zero sector campaign, the Comisión Permanente de Enfermería (Standing Commitee of Nursing) has launched an initiative, at the national and interagency levels, to implement catheter clinics in medical units of the national health system. These clinics will have specific areas and nursing staff trained in the installation and handling of intravenous catheters to reduce complications, including nosocomial infections, related to vascular access. 

Development: This program required the participation of all disciplines in medical care: medical and administrative management, quality managers, epidemiologists, laboratory staff and nurses. Nursing is in the lead of all the health professions in correct positioning, handling and removal of vascular catheters. The program forms part of the global commitment to reduce bacteremia through implementation of the 6 components in the Bacteremia Zero sector campaign. The program’s specific regulatory framework supports all the activities of the project. 

Conclusion: Institutionalization of standardized management for patients with central and permanent peripheral catheters is a significant achievement. The implementation of catheter clinics is a strategy to consolidate these efforts.