Access device standards of practice for oncology nursing

Access device standards, recommendations, and controversies; Short-term peripheral intravenous catheters; Midline catheters; Nontunneled central venous lines; Peripherally inserted central catheters; Tunneled central venous catheters; Implanted venous ports; Apheresis catheters; Complications on long-term venous access devices; Subcutaneous (hypodermoclysis) infusion devices; Arterial access devices; Intraventricular access devices; Epidural and intrathecal access devices; Intraperitoneal catheters; Pleural catheters; Ambulatory infusion pumps; Education, documentation, and legal issues for access devices; Appendices

The use of venous access devices (VADs) is central to the care that nurses provide to patients with cancer. Oncology nurses must base their practice on evidence-based research when available, but a lack of evidence has been a professional challenge for decades. With limited research to guide practice, ongoing controversies remain regarding optimal device management.