Study Overview:
Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) flushing is a common nursing practice aimed at preventing occlusion and ensuring line patency. However, there’s no consistent, evidence-based standard guiding how flushing should be performed.Why This Matters:
Flushing is essential for maintaining catheter patency, reducing infection risk, and preventing complications like occlusion and thrombophlebitis. However, despite its widespread use, significant variation exists in clinical pra...

Study OverviewThis study focused on the co-design and evaluation of an educational booklet titled “Living Well With a PICC at Home”, aimed at improving home-based care and management for patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).Through participatory design, patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals collaborated to develop content that reflects real-world needs, ensuring relevance and accessibility.Key FindingsThe booklet was co-developed with patients and cli...

Study OverviewThis evidence and gap map (EGM) provides a comprehensive overview of clinical trials conducted in the area of central venous access devices (CVADs). The study aimed to visualise the quantity and quality of evidence across six key CVAD outcomes and eight intervention categories.Key FindingsEvidence clustering: Most trials focused on infection prevention, particularly using catheter securement and antimicrobial/antiseptic technologies.Research gaps: Few trials addressed patient-rep...

Study OverviewThis large-scale point prevalence study examined arterial catheter (AC) use across 59 ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. Conducted in partnership with the George Institute and ANZICS, the study aimed to determine how frequently ACs are used, their associations with illness severity, and how they are managed.Key FindingsHigh usage: 68% of ICU patients had an AC in place—more than were ventilated or on vasopressors.Radial site dominance: Most ACs were placed in the radial artery...

Study OverviewThis narrative review explores the comparative effectiveness of two common antiseptics—chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and povidone-iodine (PVI)—for skin disinfection before catheter insertion. With billions of catheters inserted annually and catheter-related infections posing serious risks, effective antiseptic use is essential. The review considers antimicrobial efficacy, resistance, environmental impact, safety, and cost.Key FindingsEfficacy: 2% CHG in 70% alcohol is more e...

Effective securement of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulae is essential for preventing migration, dislodgement, and infection—events that can have life-threatening consequences. This point prevalence study, conducted across Australia and New Zealand, sheds light on current cannula dressing and securement practices and highlights the urgent need for ECMO-specific clinical guidelines.Study OverviewOver 12 months, data were collected from 127 ECMO patients (100 adults, 27 paed...

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) care in Australia remains inconsistent and suboptimal, often leading to preventable patient harm. This priority-setting study aimed to identify infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies to improve PIVC care and guide a national agenda for action.Study Overview
The study engaged 65 multidisciplinary clinicians in a structured process to identify top priorities for improving PIVC practices in Australian healthcare settings. Participants included n...

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is common in neonatal intensive care, but repeated cannulation increases the risk of pain, complications, and delayed treatment. This case series study highlights the clinical characteristics of neonates requiring three or more PIVCs during a single hospital admission, calling attention to the need for smarter vascular access decision-making.Study Overview
This secondary analysis was conducted in an Australian neonatal unit between October 202...

As healthcare systems face rising demand, an aging population, and increasing chronic illness, vascular access practices must evolve to meet future challenges. This special article discusses how Infusion and Vascular Access Devices (IVADs) and specialised vascular access teams can serve as a solution to the growing complexity of intravenous (IV) therapy.Study Overview
This review explores the role of IVADs in the context of modern healthcare. It highlights the complications associated with v...

We’re excited to share an incredible free resource for healthcare professionals and anyone passionate about infection prevention and control: Webber Training Teleclass Education.For the past 24 years, Webber Training has been connecting experts from around the world to deliver teleclasses on infection prevention, patient safety, and healthcare innovation. These sessions are accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world—at no cost.What You’ll FindFree-Access Recordings Library – Bro...