SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Survey of Institutional Policies for Accessing Totally Implantable Venous Access Ports

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A survey of 69 Michigan hospitals examined institutional policies governing access to totally implantable venous access ports in hospitalized patients. These ports are essential for vulnerable patients, especially those receiving chemotherapy, but access for non-primary indications is often restricted.<br /><br />The survey, conducted in May/June 2024 through the Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety Consortium, achieved a 100% response rate from quality improvement experts at each hospital. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses.<br /><br />Key findings:<br />- 74% of hospitals (51/69) had a policy governing port access and use.<br />- About 1 in 4 hospitals had no institutional port-access policy.<br />- Among hospitals with a policy, 88% required a competency check-off before staff could access ports.<br />- Policies varied widely regarding who could access ports:<br />  - 47% allowed any bedside nurse<br />  - 43% required specific credentials or prior training<br />  - 10% limited access to oncology nurses only<br /><br />Hospital characteristics were generally similar between those with and without policies, though non-profit status was slightly more common among hospitals with policies.<br /><br />The main conclusion was that there is significant variation in how hospitals regulate port access, and best practices are not standardized. The authors recommend defining and standardizing safe approaches for port access in hospitalized medical patients.

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David Paje

Meta Tag

Author List Caitlin Tatarcuk, David Paje, Elizabeth McLaughlin, Emily A. Walzl, Jennifer K. Horowitz, Scott A. Flanders, Scott Kaatz, Steven J. Bernstein, Vineet Chopra

Category Research

Concept Indwelling Device

Concept Institutional Policy

Concept Port Access

Concept Chemotherapy

Concept Standardized Best Practice

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Michigan

Presenting Author David Paje

Track Quality Improvement

Keywords

Michigan hospitals

venous access ports

hospital policy

port access

competency check-off

oncology nurses

hospital survey

institutional variation

chemotherapy patients

best practices standardization

Indwelling Device

Institutional Policy

Port Access

Chemotherapy

Standardized Best Practice