At Humber River Health (Humber), we are proud to highlight the important quality improvement work underway to strengthen vascular access practices and improve patient outcomes across our organization.

Vascular Access Devices (VADs) play an important role in our patients’ care. When not managed properly, they can increase the risk of complications such as Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI). To reduce these risks and support safer care, Humber has several initiatives currently in progress that focus on prevention, education, and continuous improvement.

Strengthening Vascular Access Best Practices Across Care

Several initiatives are currently underway to strengthen vascular access practices and improve patient safety across the organization. One of the new developments is the VAD Best Practice Dashboard. This dashboard allows teams to monitor performance, identify trends, and address opportunities for improvement in real time. Additionally, CLABSI case reviews are conducted regularly through the Monthly Vascular Access Committee. This is how Humber helps identify contributing factors, uncover system gaps, and guide targeted action plans aimed at preventing future infections.

To support early intervention, Humber has recently implemented a clinical decision screening tool that helps identify patients with difficult vascular access earlier in their care journey. This allows for timely escalation to our specialized Vascular Access Team (VAT) Nurse Clinicians when needed, reducing delays while improving patient comfort and safety.

Another part of our practice includes enhanced education for both new and existing staff. This reinforces consistent adherence to VAD best practices and highlights the importance of proper insertion, maintenance, and monitoring techniques across clinical areas.

This work is further strengthened through collaboration with external partners, including the Canadian Vascular Access Association, as well as participation in national conferences that spotlight evolving standards and innovations in vascular access care. In addition, ongoing Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) initiatives continue to embed evidence-based VAD practices into everyday clinical care.

Our Commitment to Safer Care

Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to patient safety, quality improvement, and excellence in vascular access care. At Humber River Health, we recognize the dedication of teams who work every day to reduce risk, improve outcomes, and deliver safer care for patients.