Outcomes of an Innovative Evidence-Based Practice Project: Building a Difficult-Access Team in the Emergency Department

The use of a dedicated team for DVA reduces the lag time from physician orders to actionable diagnostics or administration of medication. A dedicated DVA technician is a concrete solution to threats of patient safety, as well as ED crowding, and has the potential to affect both patient- and department-level care.Contribution to Emergency Nursing Practice
- Peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter placement is a quintessential nursing task. Delays in establishing IV access can lead to risks to patient safety.
- Difficult venous access is a common issue, and improving venous access approaches can lead to tangible gains in patient and staff satisfaction, as well as emergency department workflow.
- The implementation of a dedicated difficult venous access team can generate a significant decline in the time needed to obtain IV access for critical diagnostics and medical interventions.