A Case for an Around-the-Clock Vascular Access Team in a Rural Community Hospital

Abstract Background: Around-the-clock vascular access teams (VAT) are common in large medical centers across the country. This project demonstrates that VAT can also make a significant difference in smaller, community hospitals. There are numerous positive benefits of around the clock VAT coverage in all sizes of hospitals. Patients in smaller hospitals benefit from improved outcomes including decreased complications, improved patient satisfaction, and decreased treatment delays. The VAT provides necessary expertise in the insertion, maintenance, and evaluation of lines. Around-the-clock coverage provides a significant financial benefit to the smaller facility. Method and Outcomes: The outcome of implementing around-the-clock VAT decreased overall central line days by the skilled assessment and choice of appropriate lines such as midlines rather than higher risk central lines. The team also made a significant impact on central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates by managing and taking accountability for all lines and their care. Conclusion: This article discusses the implementation of a 24-hour VAT, the barriers and outcomes, and many positive benefits of specialized vascular nurses in a rural community hospital.