Analysis of experience of the use of plastic cannulas in Spanish haemodialysis units

Abstract

Introduction Plastic cannulas (PC) have shown efficacy in haemodialysis (HD) and are presented as a positive innovation for patients and vascular access survival. Objective To analyse Spanish HD nurses' experience of using PC. Design Cross‐sectional observational study. Methods An ad hoc questionnaire was administered on nurses' experience of PC use. Results A total of 163 Spanish HD nurses were surveyed, of whom 42.3% had PC in their workplace and 50.9% had used them. In all, 55.8% had received training and 77.9% wished to receive more training. These needles were significantly more available in public institutions than in private centres (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between years of experience and having received training (p = 0.915). There was a moderate‐strong correlation (ρ = 0.659) between greater professional satisfaction with the product and greater patient satisfaction (p < 0.001). The nurses would make a median of two [P25, 1; P75, 3] modifications in the product design. The characteristics of the PC were rated positively by 55.8% and negatively by 10.3%. Conclusions A substantial proportion of the nurses surveyed did not use PC and had not received training in their use. Respondents reported that PC could be improved and a small percentage perceived them negatively. Implications for Practice Based on the evidence presented and available, if we manage to integrate this knowledge and work on the continuum of achieving excellence, we will continue to grow as a profession and provide higher quality care.