UK Vessel Health and Preservation Framework 2020: a users' survey.

The review and update of the UK Vessel Health and Preservation Framework 2020 (VHP2020) was undertaken by a working group that included members of the Infection Prevention Society, the Royal College of Nursing, the National Infusion and Vascular Access Society and the Medusa Advisory Board and was launched in 2020. The VHP working group developed a survey to understand whether the VHP2020 had reached its intended audience, and what respondents thought were the benefits and drawbacks of its use in practice. Although the survey response was lower than expected, the responses received were largely positive and have provided feedback on how the VHP2020 is being used and some of the benefits. Most importantly, the survey has highlighted the need to communicate the benefits of the framework more effectively to reach a wider audience.

UK Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) Framework: a commentary on the updated VHP 2020.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, a UK vessel health and preservation (VHP) framework was developed to support healthcare staff to select the most appropriate vascular access device for patients requiring intravenous therapy. The VHP framework was based on available evidence and expert consensus. The VHP was based on available evidence and expert consensus. DEVELOPMENT OF THE VHP 2020 FRAMEWORK: A multidisciplinary team reviewed the original UK VHP framework and considered new published evidence, national and international guidelines and expert opinion. A literature search was performed using Cinahl and Medline, incorporating a variety of terms linked to vascular access devices, assessment and selection. Articles published in and after 2014 in English were included. Twelve articles were found to be relevant including three evidence-based guidelines, two randomised control trials and one systematic review. FINDINGS: Three main studies provided the evidence for the update: the MAGIC study that assessed the appropriateness of peripherally inserted central catheters in patients; a study that utilised the 'A-DIVA scale' to predict the likelihood of difficult venous access; and a study that incorporated an 'I-DECIDED tool' for peripheral intravenous catheter assessment and decision-making for device removal. In addition, published guidelines provided evidence that the original advice on appropriate osmolarity of medicines for peripheral administration needed updating. CONCLUSION: The 2020 UK VHP framework reflects latest evidence-based research and guidelines, providing healthcare staff updated guidance to assist in maintaining good practice in vascular access assessment and device selection and patient safety.

Vessel Health and Preservation Framework: Use of the outcome logic model for evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Vascular access is an important part of many patient care management plans, but has unwanted risks. A working group led by the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) produced a Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) Framework. Based on current evidence, a framework was developed for frontline staff to assess and select the best vascular access device to meet the individual patient's needs and to preserve veins for future use. METHODS: Using the Outcome Logic Model, we conducted an evaluation of the short- and medium-term outcomes with regards to the impact and success of the VHP Framework. RESULTS: This evaluation found that many respondents were aware of the framework and were using it in a range of different ways. Participants saw the framework as being most beneficial to help decisions on device choice and peripheral vein assessment. However, the framework has not fully reached its intended audience. DISCUSSION: Many positive outcomes were reported as a result of using the VHP Framework including improving clinical practice as it relates to the VHP elements. However, further work is required to find the tools to extend the reach of the framework and assist healthcare teams to be able to fully implement it within their clinical settings.

The implementation of the Vessel Health and Preservation framework.

Vascular access is an important component of health care but is not without associated risks, some of which can be life-threatening. The Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) framework was developed with the intention of providing frontline staff with a resource to assist in assessing and selecting the best vascular access device to meet individual patient needs and to preserve veins for future use. This article examines the impact of the introduction of the framework into a haematology ward in an acute hospital in the North West of England during a 3-month pilot study. The results indicate that the VHP framework gave nursing staff more autonomy to choose the appropriate vascular access device for their patients and improved staff knowledge around pH and osmolality of intravenous drugs. However it is clear that more in-depth evaluations need to be conducted to assess the impact of VHP on patient care and outcomes.

Development of the UK Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) framework: a multi-organisational collaborative.

Vascular access is an important part of many patient care management plans but has some unwanted risks. Previous work published by Moureau et al. (2012) inspired a working group led by the UK Infection Prevention Society (IPS) to produce a vessel health and preservation (VHP) framework. This was with the intention of producing a resource for frontline staff to be able to assess and select the best vascular access device to meet the individual patient's needs and to preserve veins for future use. The working group produced a framework that used available evidence, expert opinion and some small scale testing of the components of the framework. The work so far has received positive feedback but further work is required to formally evaluate the VHP framework in clinical practice to measure both staff knowledge and patient outcomes.