DIVA Workshop - Principles and Practice for Difficult Venous Access

Principles and Practice for Difficult Venous Access workshop

This course is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 June 2025, at the Playford Adelaide. The workshop will be delivered by Associate Professor Evan Alexandrou from the University of Wollongong, and Dr Kerrie Curtis, Chair of the CNSA Vascular Access and Infusion Therapy Specialist Practice Network. Upon completion, participants will receive a micro-credential and undertake a Simulated Competency Assessment in Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Cannulation (Adult).

Workshop Overview:

The CNSA, with over 2,200 members, has an active Vascular Access Devices and Infusion Therapy Specialist Practice Network (VAD & IT SPN) led by Chair Kerrie Curtis. This network has identified a significant gap in training related to difficult venous access (DIVA), particularly in oncology settings. To address this, they have collaborated with the University of Wollongong to offer a micro-credentialed course that includes an online didactic component, an intensive 8-hour practical skills day, and a practical assessment. The course is led by Associate Professor Evan Alexandrou, a renowned expert in vascular access and ultrasound-guided cannulation. 

The Problem:

Patients with cancer often require vascular access devices (VADs) for investigation, treatment, and monitoring. However, studies have shown unacceptably high rates of premature removal (34.9%) and complications (12%) associated with peripheral intravenous cannulas (PIVCs) in this patient group. Additionally, cancer patients frequently present with difficult venous access, leading to multiple cannulation attempts, increased patient discomfort, and delayed treatments. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has outlined ten quality statements in its Management of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Clinical Care Standard to reduce PIVC-associated complications.

Proposed Solution:

The "Principles and Practice for Difficult Venous Access" workshop aims to enhance clinical skills in ultrasound-guided peripheral cannulation, thereby improving first-attempt success rates and reducing complications. In 2024, ten such courses were conducted for cancer nurses in Victoria, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. In 2025, there is a focus on delivering these workshops to support regional, rural and remote areas where the need for these practical skills is most acute.

Benefits to Our Unit:

Attending this workshop will enable me to:

• Acquire advanced skills in ultrasound-guided peripheral cannulation, improving patient outcomes and reducing complications.
• Share knowledge and train colleagues within our unit, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Contribute to the implementation of evidence-based practices in vascular access, aligning with national clinical care standards.

Cost: $250