Hospital Onset Bacteremia: Addressing the Silent Threat to Patient Safety

Vascular access is a critical component of healthcare with vascular access device (VAD) use essential in healthcare settings around the world. Commonly used VAD catheters include peripheral devices such as peripheral intravenous catheters (IVs) and midlines, and central venous access devices such as peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs). While VADs are inserted to allow medications, fluids, and blood to be administered to patients to optimize their health, they also have known risks and the potential to heighten patient anxiety.