Background: To evaluate novice and expert clinicians’ procedural confidence utilizing a blended learning mixed fidelity simulation model when applying a standardized ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization curriculum. Methods: Simulation-based education and ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion aims to provide facility-wide efficiencies and improves patient safety through interdisciplinary collaboration. The objective of this quality improvement research was to evaluate both novice (<50) and expert (>50) clinicians’ confidence across 100 ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion courses were performed at a mixture of teaching and non-teaching hospitals across 26 states within the United States between April 2015 and April 2016. A total of 1238 attendees completed a pre- and post-survey after attending a mixed method clinical simulation course. Attendees completed a 4-h online didactic education module followed by 4 h of hands-on clinical simulation stations (compliance/sterile technique, needling techniques, vascular ultrasound assessment, and experiential complication management). Results: The use of a standardized evidence-based ultrasound-guided central venous catheter curriculum improved confidence and application to required clinical tasks and knowledge across all interdisciplinary specialties, regardless of level of experience. Both physician and non-physician groups resulted in statistically significant results in both procedural compliance ( p < 0.001) and ultrasound skills ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of a standardized clinical simulation curriculum enhanced all aspects of ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion skills, knowledge, and improved confidence for all clinician types. Self-reported complications were reported at significantly higher rates than previously published evidence, demonstrating the need for ongoing procedural competencies. While there are growing benefits for the role of simulation-based programs, further evaluation is needed to explore its effectiveness in changing the quality of clinical outcomes within the healthcare setting.

Introduction: Peripheral arterial catheter insertion is a common procedure for critically ill patients requiring frequent blood gas sampling and continuous blood pressure monitoring. There are clear advantages of ultrasound-guided arterial cannulation, which have shown to be more effective in reducing complications, time to successful cannulation, number of attempts, and overall first-time success rates. Evidence suggests that using palpation alone has a first-time success rate of less than 70% yet is still a widely performed technique. A systematic evaluation may be required to reduce variations in arterial catheterization practices. Design: The arterial insertion method is a systematic evaluation to aid in arterial catheter insertion with ultrasound guidance, intended to improve the procedural approach. The process of arterial insertion method ensures appropriate choice of zone selection to optimize catheter longevity and performance in patients requiring arterial access. Moving the insertion site proximally 4 cm from the red zone into the green zone may reduce mechanical complications and preserve catheter performance and dwell time. Conclusion: The standardization of ultrasound guidance in arterial catheterization promotes vessel health and patient safety through device and site optimization. The arterial insertion method systematic evaluation may be utilized to reduce variation in practice and promote the use of ultrasound as a standard for the insertion of radial arterial catheters.

Radial arterial catheters (RAC) are used extensively across critical care settings (Anesthesia, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine) for continuous hemodynamic monitoring, allowing for immediate adjustments in vasopressor therapies and blood collection. Radial catheter failures are an ongoing significant issue for critical care clinicians with reported incidences at almost 25%. Common complications include loss of function, lack of blood return, poor quality waveforms and dislodgement, posing potential patient risks, and sudden loss of intra-arterial monitoring frequently requires prompt replacement. Contemporary research and technological improvements have highlighted several concepts to enhance the approach of RAC insertion and management while reducing immediate and late complications. The authors have prioritized the following 10 “best practice” aspects that may improve overall device function and reliability.

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