(68) The Creation of a Multidisciplinary, Interprofessional Ultrasound Guided IV Program

Abstract: Children’s veins are small and sometimes difficult to access during necessary medical treatment. Ultrasound guided peripheral intravenous catheter placement (USGPIV) provides an alternate approach that corresponds with fewer attempts, a line that remains in place longer than traditional insertion and a positive patient family experience. USGPIV is recognized as an advanced skill that requires a training and mentorship program to progress from novice to expert. A comprehensive USGPIV training program was designed, developed and implemented to educate multidisciplinary and interprofessional staff across various clinical units with varying populations in a newly opened community hospital. Learners included acute care technicians, registered nurses, and advanced practice providers. Learners completed a three-step education that included a video training module, in-person didactic lecture with hands- on skills practice, and a series of USGPIV insertions on a task trainer with an expert clinician. The immense collaborative approach expanded the skill sets of many clinicians to improve the patient family experience and service delivery. This approach has permitted collaborative partnerships across numerous roles through mentorship of skill progression and competency with USGPIV. Technology leveraged the ability to share availability of USGPIV experts across units to provide mentored observations. Collaborative partnerships aided the ability to quickly expand and grow the program. Preliminary data indicates a relationship between the USGPIV program and a decrease in the number of PIV attempts on patients and the need for additional resource allocation for PIV placement.