Advanced Vascular Access and IV Therapy

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Thoroughly assess the patient, crucially exploring the need for, and options relating to vascular access and IV Therapy. 
• Systematically apply specialist knowledge and understanding of common complications of IV therapy and impact on patient journey. 
• Critically appraise and collaborate with multidisciplinary team in line with clinical management plans where appropriate.  
• Demonstrate clinical competence in placing a carefully considered and appropriate vascular access device pertinent to IV therapy requirement, and provide full holistic patient care
• Demonstrate advanced practice in the ability to manage short- and long-term vascular access devices, recognizing & applying best practice guidance, including infection prevention and control clinical guidelines. 
• Practice within a framework of professional accountability and responsibility in relation to the relevant legislation for the registered health care professional body. 

The focus of this module is the safe, knowledgeable practice in vascular access and intravenous therapy within healthcare practice, therefore content will initially explore: 

• Indications for IV therapy and vascular access,  
• Vascular access devices, and decision making.  
• Vessel health and preservation 
• Vein assessment technology 
• Long-term disease, ill health and vein health 
• Ethical best practice 
• Infection prevention and control 
• Peripheral vascular access 
• Central vascular access 
• Vascular access across the life span 
• Complications; avoidance and management 
• IV therapy 
• Managing and developing a vascular access service. 

• Portfolio of Practice:  Part A – Competency Document (to be achieved in the practice setting). Pass/Fail 
• Portfolio of Practice:  Part B – 2000 word reflective case study (Weighting: 100% overall module grade) 
• Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)  
  • The OSCE will assess safe accurate clinical practice only and therefore will be PASS/FAIL.    (Learning Outcomes 1,2 &6)             
• MCQ – to ensure safe practice as the module is endorsed by the National Infusion and Vascular Access Society (NIVAS) students will be required to also pass a multiple choice question (MCQ) exam which will have a 75% minimum pass rate, therefore will be a Pass/Fail element within the assessment strategy. 

Take a look at the module reading list.