UK Vessel Health and Preservation Framework 2020: a users' survey.

The review and update of the UK Vessel Health and Preservation Framework 2020 (VHP2020) was undertaken by a working group that included members of the Infection Prevention Society, the Royal College of Nursing, the National Infusion and Vascular Access Society and the Medusa Advisory Board and was launched in 2020. The VHP working group developed a survey to understand whether the VHP2020 had reached its intended audience, and what respondents thought were the benefits and drawbacks of its use in practice. Although the survey response was lower than expected, the responses received were largely positive and have provided feedback on how the VHP2020 is being used and some of the benefits.

COVID-19: considerations for the safe management and disposal of human excreta.

Management and disposal of human excreta is an essential element of healthcare practice. The potential for cross transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in faeces and urine has led global healthcare providers to examine different infection prevention and control practices not least the management and disposal of human excreta. There are two major systems in place to undertake this; one being the use of re-usable bedpans and urinals with reprocessing in a washer disinfectors (WD).

UK Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) Framework: a commentary on the updated VHP 2020.

Background: In 2016, a UK vessel health and preservation (VHP) framework was developed to support healthcare staff to select the most appropriate vascular access device for patients requiring intravenous therapy. The VHP framework was based on available evidence and expert consensus. The VHP was based on available evidence and expert consensus.

International recommendations for a vascular access minimum dataset: a Delphi consensus-building study.

Background: Data regarding vascular access device use and outcomes are limited. In part, this gap reflects the absence of guidance on what variables should be collected to assess patient outcomes. We sought to derive international consensus on a vascular access minimum dataset.

Vessel Health and Preservation Framework: Use of the outcome logic model for evaluation.

Background: Vascular access is an important part of many patient care management plans, but has unwanted risks. A working group led by the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) produced a Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) Framework. Based on current evidence, a framework was developed for frontline staff to assess and select the best vascular access device to meet the individual patient's needs and to preserve veins for future use.

Establishing catheter-related bloodstream infection surveillance to drive improvement.

Background: Catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI) are an important complication of central venous access devices but are often poorly measured. This article describes the journey of one hospital trust to set up a surveillance process for CRBSI across all specialties of the trust and to reduce CRBSI.

Method: Using a locally adapted CRBSI criteria and root cause analysis (RCA) for investigation we identified a number of opportunities for a quality improvement programme.

Development of the UK Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) framework: a multi-organisational collaborative.

Vascular access is an important part of many patient care management plans but has some unwanted risks. Previous work published by Moureau et al. (2012) inspired a working group led by the UK Infection Prevention Society (IPS) to produce a vessel health and preservation (VHP) framework.

Antimicrobial stewardship: the role of the nurse.

Infections caused by organisms resistant to multiple drugs are associated with morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stay and increased costs. Since antibiotic use is the main factor in the development of resistance, it is hoped that the judicious use of antibiotics will reduce the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This article addresses antibiotic misuse in the inpatient setting and outlines the role of the nurse in optimising antibiotic therapy through antimicrobial stewardship.

Right line, right patient, right time: every choice matters.

The field of vascular access has developed significantly over recent decades. It has been adapted to provide a range of techniques for a range of patients much faster than a full appreciation of the risks involved has developed. Improved governance of vascular access procedures in the UK is needed.