112 Improving Neonatal Vascular Access in Surgical Patients

Abstract

Abstract Aim Many neonatal surgical patients require intravenous (IV) access for >1 week. Technical, organisational, and cultural factors reduced placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Most babies requiring parenteral nutrition/central medications undergo central venous line placement under general anaesthetic (GA). Repeated bedside cannulation causes distress to patients and parents, with workload burden resulting in extravasation injuries. We aim to reduce these factors by increasing PICC usage in a ward setting. Method We followed a Plan, Do, Study, Act cycle over 4 months. Results Final results pending. The intervention has occurred, in 1 month we will re-measure: We will measure risks of increasing PICC placement (through an iterative process), including: Conclusions The initial message yielded perceptions that ‘the department is doing things wrong’. The message of PICCs adding an ‘extra string to our bow’ was clearer, non-judgemental and with strong rationale for change. Training non-rotating staff promotes sustainability but required senior clinician agreement to procure equipment, delaying our timeline – target completion is in 1 month.