Background/Rationale:
- A decision support tool provides structured guidance that can support clinicians in selecting the most appropriate vascular access device based on the type of cancer, duration of therapy, and risk factors.
- Proper selection of vascular access devices can reduce complications such as catheter-related bloodstream infections and thrombosis, improving patient safety and outcomes.
- By guiding appropriate device selection, a decision support tool can optimize resource use, reducing unnecessary procedures and the need for device changes, ultimately leading to cost savings.
- A device selection tool can help standardize decision-making processes across different healthcare providers and departments, ensuring consistent, high-quality care.
- The use of a device selection tool can serve as a learning tool for less experienced clinicians, providing them with a framework to improve their knowledge and skills in vascular access device selection.
Suggested Implementation Strategies:
- Form a team comprised of hematologists, oncologists, interventional radiology, vascular access nurses, information technology specialists, and other relevant stakeholders to develop and customize the device selection tool.
- Base the decision support tool on the latest clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices. Consider factors such as patient-specific requirements, anticipated duration of therapy, and the risk for complications.
- Integration with Clinical Workflow: Embed the device selection tool within the EHR system to enable automatic prompts and guidance at the point of care. Ensure it aligns seamlessly with clinical workflows to encourage adoption.
- Train healthcare providers on how to effectively use the decision support tool through workshops, demonstrations, and online modules. Highlight the benefits of the tool in optimizing patient care and outcomes.
- Create a system for ongoing feedback from users to ensure the tool remains relevant and user-friendly. Encourage collaboration and communication among users to share experiences and best practices.