1. Central venous access device management for children undergoing treatment for blood disorders and cancer: a descriptive international cross-sectional survey.
- Author
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Hyun A, Takashima MD, de Souza S, Gibson V, Silva TL, Rocha PK, Vetcho S, and Ullman AJ
- Subjects
- Humans, Cross-Sectional Studies, Child, Central Venous Catheters, Child, Preschool, Surveys and Questionnaires, Female, Neoplasms therapy, Catheterization, Central Venous methods
- Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to explore current central vascular access device (CVAD) management practices in pediatric cancer care globally and compare practices across high-income and middle-income (i.e., upper middle-income and lower middle-income) countries., Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional international survey was conducted between May 2022 and December 2023. Clinicians involved in CVAD insertion/management for pediatric cancer patients were invited to participate through established clinical networks globally. The survey covered CVAD management practices, including dressings, securements, routine care, and maintenance procedures., Results: A total of 220 responses from 42 countries were received. Polyurethane dressings were most commonly used across all CVAD types (55-65/34.2-40.4). Bordered dressings were the primary securement method for all CVAD types (69-96/161, 42.9-59.6%). Routine practices varied, with 31/102 (30.4%) assessing CVADs hourly during infusion in high-income countries and 22 (37.3%) assessing every shift in middle-income countries. Heparin and normal saline were the commonly used solutions for flushing and locking. Chlorhexidine 2% in 70% alcohol was the predominant decontamination solution in high-income countries (64/102, 62.8%), while alcohol was more common in middle-income countries (22/59, 37.3%). Differences were observed between high-income and middle-income countries in the types of dressings, securements, and maintenance practices used., Conclusion: This study revealed significant variability in CVAD management practices for pediatric cancer care globally, particularly between high-income and middle-income countries. These findings highlight the need for standardized, evidence-based guidelines considering resource availability and contextual factors to improve CVAD management in pediatric oncology across diverse healthcare settings., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Queensland (# 2023/HE000076). This research conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All included study participants consented to participating in this study and to have their survey responses published in a peer reviewed journal. Conflict of interest: The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article., (© 2025. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2025
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