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The PiccPed® health application was developed to support clinical decision-making in peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) management. We aimed to evaluate its impact on nurses' knowledge regarding the prevention of PICC-associated adverse events in pediatrics and neonatology. A quasi-experimental, pre-post intervention study, was conducted with a dependent/paired sample of pediatric and neonatal nurses from two tertiary hospitals in South Brazil. Data were collected from October 2022 to January 2023 across three phases: pre-, intervention (use of the PiccPed®) and post-test. Study outcomes were a knowledge test (15 questions) of evidence-based PICC maintenance procedures, and PiccPed® app time spent and screens used. A total of 56 nurses completed the study. The post-test mean score was significantly higher (12/15; standard deviation (SD) 1.9) in comparison with the pre-test (mean 9/15; SD 2.2). The change in scores was significantly higher for nurses without postgraduate qualifications, in comparison to those with (Mean Difference 1.26; p = 0.039). Each minute using the app resulted in a significant increase of 0.04 points (95% confidence interval 0.01–0.08; p = 0.014) on the mean post-test score (10.94 points). Conclusion: The research demonstrated that PiccPed® enhances nurses' learning regarding the prevention of adverse events associated with PICC maintenance in pediatrics and neonatology. The app can be safely and effectively used for training and continuing education of nurses who care for children and neonates with PICCs. • PiccPed® positively impacts nurses' knowledge, preventing adverse events in PICC maintenance for pediatric and neonatal patients • PiccPed® is effective across a variety of training levels and surrounding nurses' characteristics. • This research supports future studies evaluating the tool's effectiveness in improving knowledge among students and professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with chronic and complex health conditions frequently need intravenous devices. The current approach to intravenous device selection, insertion, and monitoring is inconsistent, and healthcare consumers are often negatively affected by siloed health information, and poor future planning. Despite child- and family-centred care being recognised as a pillar of paediatric nursing care, limited implementation for vascular access device planning and management is evident. To address this, we conducted a multi-phased approach to co-create, then evaluate, a mobile health (mHealth) application: IV Passport. Co-creation involved a prioritisation survey, followed by a Passport advisory panel consensus meeting. Following confirmation of the required content and features of the Passport, the mHealth application was designed and content validation achieved via survey. The prioritisation survey yielded recommendations for seven features (e.g., graphical presentations of current/past devices). Content for nine device types (e.g., totally implanted ports) was suggested, each with 10 related items (e.g., insertion site). Content items for device-associated complications, future vascular access plans, and educational resources were also suggested. Following design, the application was released through Apple and Android platforms; and adapted to a paper version. Content validation was established; 100% strongly agreed the application was easy to use; 80% agreed/strongly agreed that they would recommend the Passport to others. IV Passport embodies effective child- and family-centred care through consumer co-creation to empower patients and families manage vascular access devices. IV Passport remains active; and can be utilised across many healthcare settings and patient populations. • Current intravenous device selection, insertion, and monitoring is inconsistent. • The IV Passport has been co-created with consumers, such as children and families. • IV Passport promotes child- and family-centered care. • IV Passport remains active and can be utilised across many healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular access devices form an essential component in the management of acute and chronic medical conditions. Introduction and ongoing management of these devices are linked with bundles of care aimed at reducing associated risks including bleeding and infection. To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the potassium ferrate haemostatic disc on Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumonia e, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria and on Candida albicans. The impact of the potassium ferrate disc was compared with the often-used chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) impregnated disc to evaluate the potential efficacy of the potassium ferrate disc as an alternative to CHG in cases with an increased risk of active bleeding. In the presence of anticoagulated blood, we observed an inhibitory effect of the haemostatic disc on microbial growth for microbial strains commonly associated with vascular access device related infections. Our results indicate that the potassium ferrate disc may provide dual clinical benefits with both haemostatic and antimicrobial action observed during in-vitro testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheter insertion has been identified as an effective method to improve the success rate of cannulation, thereby improving patient experience. However, learning this new skill is complex, and involves training clinicians from a variety of backgrounds. The aim of this study was to appraise and compare literature on educational methods in the emergency setting used to support ultrasound guided peripheral intravenous catheter insertion by different clinicians, and how effective these current methods are. A systematic integrative review was undertaken using Whittemore and Knafl's five stage approach. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, with five themes identified. These were: the variety of educational methods and approaches; the effectiveness of the different educational methods; barriers and facilitators of education; clinician competency assessments and pathways; clinician confidence assessment and pathways. This review demonstrates that a variety of educational methods are being used in successfully training emergency department clinicians in using ultrasound guidance for peripheral intravenous catheter insertion. Furthermore, this training has resulted in safer and more effective vascular access. However, it is evident that there is a lack of consistency of formalised education programs available. A standardised formal education program and increased availability of ultrasound machines in the emergency department will ensure consistent practices are maintained, retained, therefore leading to safer practice as well as more satisfied patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood and plasma volume calculations are a daily part of practice for many Transfusion Medicine and Apheresis practitioners. Though many formulas exist, each facility may have their own modifications to consider. ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) provides a new and exciting pathway for those with no programming experience to create personalized programs to meet the demands of daily practice. Additionally, this pathway creates computer programs that provide accurate and reproducible outputs. Herein, we aimed to create a step-by-step process for clinicians to create customized computer programs for use in everyday practice. We created a process of inputs to ChatGPT-4 0 , which generated computer programming code. This code was copied and pasted into Notepad (and saved as a Python file) and Google Colaboratory to verify functionality. We validated the durability of our process by repeating it over a 5-day timeframe and by recruiting volunteers to reproduce our outputs using the suggested process. Computer code generated by ChatGPT-4 0 in response to our common language inputs was accurate and durable over time. The code was fully functional in both Python and Colaboratory. Volunteers reproduced our process and outputs with minimal assistance. We analyzed the practical application of ChatGPT-4 0 and artificial intelligence (AI) to perform daily calculations encountered in Transfusion Medicine. Our results provide a proof of concept that people with no programming experience can create customizable solutions for their own facilities. Our future work will expand to the creation of comprehensive and customizable websites designed for each individual user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]