(A2) General Session: When Infusions Go Wrong: The Realities and Consequences of IV Injuries

Vascular access injuries can result in costly legal battles for healthcare organizations. Although these injuries are not entirely preventable, maintaining highly accurate, complete, and consistent documentation is essential to safeguard both individual healthcare providers and the organization. The lifecycle of a vascular access device should be clearly documented in the electronic record. Organizations that apply evidence-based management and maintain accurate, consistent documentation can establish a strong defense in the event of litigation following an injury.

If a nurse is deemed negligent in their care, leading to a negative outcome for a patient due to a vascular access injury, it could jeopardize their career. Explore the journey of one hospital that has implemented initiatives to reduce these injuries after experiencing a pediatric litigation case. Additionally, gain insights on the best practices to protect yourself and the healthcare facility where you work.