The Patient Story: Living with a vascular access device
The Patient Story: Living with a vascular access device
December 2019
A recent study was published in the BJN by Linda J Kelly, MSc, BSc on ‘Health professionals’ lack of knowledge of central venous access devices: the impact on patients.
The literature on the patient experience of living with a central venous access device (CVAD) is growing, but remains sparse. It suggests that patients accept having a CVAD as it should reduce episodes of repeated cannulations. However, a recent doctoral study found the reality did not live up to this hope.
Aim:
The study objective was to uncover the global, cross-disease experience of patients with CVADs.
Method:
An online survey was sent to an international sample of people living with CVADs.
Findings:
74 people from eight countries responded. Respondents corroborated the PhD findings: painful cannulation attempts continued after CVAD insertion because of a lack of clinical knowledge. Participants lost trust in clinicians and feared complications due to poor practice.
Conclusion:
Clinicians often lack the necessary skills to care and maintain CVADs. This leads to a negative patient experience.