Learning Center

In this session, we will discuss the global impact, committee membership, the revision process, and methodology of the 2021 Standards. Changes in the table of contents, including new and renamed Standards, will be highlighted. 

Following this introduction, we will explore updates to the general Practice Recommendations included in the Infection Prevention and Control section, as well as specific recommendations throughout the Standards. New to the 2021 edition, the clinical practice framework of Aseptic Non Touch Technique is introduced and described. 

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Discuss the global impact of the Standards.
2. Identify changes in the 2021 Standards.
3. Discuss recommendations for infection prevention.

Lisa Gorski, MS, RN, HHCNS-BC, CRNI®, FAAN,

The purpose of this session is to introduce important updates within four Standards “Vascular Visualization, VAD planning, Site Selection and VAD placement.” VAD planning, site selection and VAD placement is paramount to successful vascular access with minimal complications. Until recently, the importance of this had been poorly articulated within the scientific literature and clinical practice. Changes within the standard, including standardization of device terminology and vascular visualization will be highlighted. New evidence to support device choice, and site selection will be highlighted to assist clinical decision making.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Discuss the inter-relationship between VAD planning, site selection and VAD placement and its role in vessel health and preservation.
2. Differentiate between INS Practice Recommendations for vascular access device choice and site selection.
3. Articulate the various peripheral vascular access devices and the appropriate/ inappropriate selection of each.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of advantages and appropriate use of vascular visualization equipment to aid clinical practice.

Tricia Kleidon, MNSc, RN, BNSc,

Grab your lunch and join the speakers as they present various smaller changes in the revised 2021 Standards of Practice that may impact your clinical practice. During this time, attendees will have the opportunity to ask the panel questions. 

Selection of the best vascular access option for an individual patient is based in part on the risk of complications present in their vascular health and their particular infusion needs. Every vascular access device carries some risk to patient safety. To better understand and mitigate those risks, there has been a dramatic increase in vascular access-related research. This session will review four catheter-associated complications included in the 2021 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice: venous thrombosis, extravasation, bloodstream infection, and skin injury. For each of these complications, presenters will give a concise review of the incidence, assessment parameters, new evidence-based recommendations, and directions for future research.

Learning Objectives: 

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
1. Describe at least one assessment parameter that may indicate each of the four complications reviewed.
2. Identify at least one new evidence-based recommendation for each of the four complications reviewed.

Lisa Gorski, MS, RN, HHCNS-BC, CRNI®, FAAN,

Barb Nickel, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CRNI®,