Impact of climate change on cannulation success device failure and infusion safety in vascular access

Vascular access devices (VADs) are essential in healthcare for administering medications, intravenous fluids, and other products. Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) remain the most commonly used VADs worldwide, yet they are associated with high failure rates and complications. Climate change, characterised by rising temperatures, increased humidity, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns, has emerged as a major determinant of health outcomes. However, its influence on vascular access practices and outcomes remains underexplored. This narrative review examines the direct and indirect effects of climate and environmental factors on vascular access, including venous physiology, skin integrity, infection risk, disease burden, and healthcare system stress. This review also discusses implications for nursing practice, device selection, and future research directions. Recognizing climate change as an emerging determinant of vascular access outcomes may inform adaptive strategies, improve patient safety, and guide evidence-based practice across diverse healthcare settings, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.