In this podcast, Dennis @thevascularguy shares valuable insights on IV access, discussing psychology of starting IVs, best practices, and infection prevention. The discussion covers ethical considerations, sterile practices, and optimizing vein access in critical EMS situations. They also explore the impact of ultrasound in healthcare and emphasize building patient relationships and medical education.
Proper vascular access and IV procedures are vital for optimal patient care and reducing complications.
Healthcare providers must prioritize patient well-being over personal satisfaction when inserting IVs.
Minimizing unnecessary IV insertions is crucial to prevent venous depletion, scarring, and long-term patient consequences.
Deep dives
The Importance of Proper Vascular Access and IV Procedures
Ensuring proper vascular access and IV procedures is crucial to prevent complications and reduce patient suffering. The discussion highlights the significance of following correct protocols for intra-vascular access to deliver optimal patient care.
Understanding the Psychological Impact of Securing IVs
Securing an IV is often associated with a dopamine rush for healthcare providers. However, the episode delves into the addictive nature of focusing on the successful insertion rather than considering patient care and experience, emphasizing the need to prioritize patient well-being over personal satisfaction.
The Concept of Venous Depletion and Long-Term Consequences
Venous depletion, caused by repetitive IV attempts and scarring, leads to long-term consequences for patients. The episode underscores the importance of minimizing unnecessary IV insertions to prevent venous damage and reduce future complications.
Enhancing Infection Control in IV Procedures
Highlighting the significance of maintaining aseptic techniques in IV procedures, the discussion emphasizes the need for proper scrubbing, using chlorhexidine alcohol caps, and implementing protective dressing to reduce bloodstream infections and ensure patient safety.
Using Ultrasound for Vascular Access
The podcast discusses the significance of using ultrasound for vascular access during medical procedures. It highlights how proper training and equipment can lead to better patient outcomes and significant cost savings for hospitals. The speaker emphasizes the importance of utilizing ultrasound for IV starts to improve first pass success rates, reduce patient discomfort, and avoid wastage of IV insertion supplies. They also mention the impact of skin movement on catheter stability and how ultrasound enables clinicians to visualize veins effectively.
Techniques for Successful Peripheral IV Insertions
The episode delves into various techniques for successful peripheral IV insertions, focusing on factors like vein accessibility, vein purchase, and avoiding premature dislodgement of IV catheters. It covers the importance of selecting appropriate catheter lengths relative to patient skin mobility, reducing the risk of dislodgement during fluid administration. The speaker also addresses common misconceptions around blown veins, infiltrated veins, and dislodged IVs, highlighting the need for proper training and equipment to enhance IV insertion success rates.
In this episode of PragChat, Aaron and Jason sit down again with @thevascularguy and discuss IV's. Dennis is an interventional vascular access RN and comes to the show with a wealth of valuable information concerning IV access. We discuss a variety of topics that include psychology of starting IVs, best practices, and variety of additional topics.
We had a blast talking with Dennis again and he is a great guest with lots of applicable knowledge. We know he is a RN but he is a friend to EMS and if you want to better your patient care, check this episode out and start with improving how you gain access to your patients.
Thanks to Dennis for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk with us and if you’re not following him, check out his Instagram and TikTok. Also check out his Twitter and YouTube page that has videos on how different ways to obtain vascular access.