Maintaining vascular access devices: the nurse's role

The role of the nurse in maintaining vascular access devices has altered dramatically with the advance in vascular access device technology and the greater involvment in selection of the device and its insertion, maintenance and removal. Up-to-date knowledge and the use of evidence-based practice underpinned by good scientific research is the key to vascular access device maintenance. The routine maintenance of vascular access devices is a shared responsibility between the nurse and the patient, so that the nurse has an important part to play in the adequate preparation and education of the patient. The nurse therefore has a responsibility to ensure the maintenance of vascular access devices in order to increase the benefits to the patient and decrease the risk of serious complications.