Advancing arteriovenous fistula needling: The role of physical exam and doppler ultrasound.

Background: The success of haemodialysis (HD) critically depends on the effective use of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). The precise needling technique is vital to minimise complications and ensure functional vascular access.

Objective: This study assesses the effectiveness of a nursing consultation protocol, which integrates physical examination (PE) with Doppler Ultrasound (DUS), in preparing patients for the first AVF needling.