Mapping the Evidence: Gaps in Central Venous Access Device Trials

Study Overview

This 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 Findings

• Evidence clustering: Most trials focused on infection prevention, particularly using catheter securement and antimicrobial/antiseptic technologies.
• Research gaps: Few trials addressed patient-reported outcomes, device longevity, and cost-effectiveness—highlighting areas in need of further research.
• Study types: A total of 465 clinical trials were analysed using the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.
• Population insights: While adults were the most frequently studied, paediatric and neonatal populations were underrepresented.
• Geographical spread: The majority of research originated from high-income countries, with a scarcity of trials in low- and middle-income regions.

Implications

This EGM offers a valuable resource to identify evidence-rich and evidence-poor areas in CVAD care. It enables funders, researchers, and clinicians to prioritise future trials that can address under-researched outcomes and underserved populations, thereby enhancing global CVAD practice.

Read more: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jan.70160 

Authors: Mari Takashima, Areum Hyun, Tricia Kleidon, Victoria Gibson, Sabrina De Souza, Elouise Comber, Jacqueline Cunninghame, Jefferson Wildes da Silva Moura, Martha Mansah, Deanne August, Patrícia Kuerten Rocha, Nicole Marsh, Amanda Corley, Sam Keogh, Amanda Ullman