A diverse medical team collaboratively managing a complex network of veins and arteries.

Access Granted: How Vascular Access Teams Are Revolutionizing Patient Care

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Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the critical role of vascular access teams in improving patient outcomes, reducing infections, and streamlining healthcare costs."


Hospital-acquired infections are a significant and frequent complication in healthcare, posing a serious risk to patient safety. Data from Italy in 2011 underscored the critical need to address these infections, which are directly correlated with healthcare assistance. These infections not only endanger patients but also place a substantial burden on healthcare systems.

Specifically, the data revealed that for every 100 patients admitted to a hospital, approximately 6.3% acquired an infection attributable to the clinical setting. This alarming rate climbed to 14.8% in intensive care units and affected 13% of patients with rapidly fatal conditions, according to the McCabe classification. Patients with invasive devices were particularly vulnerable, with 21.4% of those with central venous catheters and 13% of those with urinary catheters experiencing infections.

The most frequently reported infections included respiratory infections (24.1%), urinary tract infections (20.8%), surgical site infections (16%), and bacteremia (15.8%). This increase in hospital-acquired infections is a consequence of technological advancements in healthcare. While these innovations allow for the survival of high-risk patients, they also facilitate the entry of microorganisms into normally sterile body sites through devices such as central venous catheters (CVCs), pacemakers, prostheses, and urinary catheters.

The Power of Dedicated Vascular Access Teams

A diverse medical team collaboratively managing a complex network of veins and arteries.

To combat these challenges, healthcare facilities are increasingly adopting safe care practices aimed at preventing and controlling the transmission of infections both within hospitals and in non-hospital settings. Implementing control programs at various levels, from national to local, is essential. The adoption of standardized protocols and procedures (often referred to as bundles), developed based on scientific evidence, helps to regulate and standardize effective activities that reduce the risk of infection.

These protocols also promote behavioral changes among medical and nursing staff in managing intravascular devices. Among these devices, central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used for various purposes but are associated with central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). The rate of CRBSIs ranges from 3.8 to 6.6 episodes per 1,000 catheter days for temporary CVCs and 1.1 to 5.5 episodes per 1,000 catheter days for permanent CVCs.

  • Reduced Infection Rates: Implementation of vascular access teams has led to a significant reduction in infection rates associated with CVCs and other vascular access devices.
  • Improved Patient Outcomes: Patients experience fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and an overall enhanced quality of life.
  • Cost Savings: By preventing infections and complications, vascular access teams contribute to significant cost savings for healthcare facilities.
  • Enhanced Staff Competence: Nurses and medical staff receive specialized training, leading to improved skills and knowledge in vascular access management.
  • Standardized Practices: Vascular access teams ensure consistent and evidence-based practices, reducing variability in care and improving reliability.
A study conducted in a Swedish hospital over six years demonstrated a marked reduction in bacteremia among patients with CVCs after the establishment of a surveillance team. Although the study focused on intensive care and resuscitation units, the conclusions are applicable to all departments where such devices are used. Similarly, the establishment of vascular access teams in dialysis units has yielded comparable results.

The Future of Vascular Access Teams

The implementation of vascular access teams represents a pivotal step toward improving patient care, reducing healthcare costs, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, the role of these specialized teams will undoubtedly expand, driving further advancements in patient safety and quality of care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

How do vascular access teams help in reducing infection rates in healthcare settings, particularly concerning central venous catheters?

Vascular access teams significantly reduce infection rates, especially those related to central venous catheters (CVCs) and other vascular access devices. By implementing standardized protocols and specialized training, these teams minimize the entry of microorganisms into the body, leading to fewer bloodstream infections and other complications. This is particularly crucial given the high rates of hospital-acquired infections associated with invasive devices.

2

In what ways do vascular access teams improve patient outcomes beyond just reducing infection rates?

Vascular access teams improve patient outcomes by reducing complications such as bloodstream infections, leading to shorter hospital stays and an enhanced quality of life. The implementation of standardized practices ensures that patients receive consistent, evidence-based care, which minimizes variability and improves reliability. Furthermore, specialized management of devices like central venous catheters (CVCs) helps prevent infections and other adverse events.

3

How do vascular access teams contribute to cost savings for healthcare facilities?

By preventing infections and complications, vascular access teams contribute to significant cost savings for healthcare facilities. Hospital-acquired infections, such as those associated with central venous catheters (CVCs), not only endanger patients but also place a substantial financial burden on healthcare systems. Reducing the incidence of these infections through standardized protocols and specialized care directly translates into lower treatment costs and improved resource utilization.

4

How do vascular access teams enhance the competence of nurses and medical staff in managing vascular access devices?

Dedicated vascular access teams enhance staff competence through specialized training in vascular access management. This training equips nurses and medical staff with improved skills and knowledge, allowing them to effectively manage intravascular devices like central venous catheters (CVCs) and urinary catheters. As a result, healthcare professionals are better prepared to prevent and control infections, adhering to standardized practices and evidence-based guidelines.

5

How do vascular access teams ensure standardized practices and continuous improvement in patient care?

Vascular access teams ensure standardized practices by implementing consistent and evidence-based protocols across healthcare facilities. These protocols, often referred to as bundles, regulate and standardize effective activities to reduce the risk of infection associated with devices like central venous catheters (CVCs). This uniformity in care delivery minimizes variability, improves reliability, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care.

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