Overview

The use of vascular access devices is necessary in most healthcare specialties and settings. The types of VADs available are numerous and include short peripheral intravenous catheters (SPIVC), Long peripheral intravenous catheters (LPIVC), midline catheters, peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC), acute short-term catheters (central lines), tunneled central venous catheters (TCVC) and totally implanted central venous catheter (TIVAD).

It is essential that clinicians have a knowledge and understanding of each device, including correct device selection, indications, and contraindications for use, how to care for each device correctly and safety and how to prevent or deal with any device complications.

Learning Outcomes

The aim of this 3-month module is to provide the student with the theoretical knowledge required to safely and effectively use ultrasound guidance to insert a Vascular Access Device. The course will also develop their knowledge & skills in the following areas:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic ultrasound physics 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the knobology 
  • Be able to select the correct probe for a vascular access procedure 
  • Be aware of ways to optimise your image 
  • Demonstrate a successful puncture on a phantom 

Demonstrate the correct use of ultrasound to assist in venous access As part of the module, you will have the opportunity to attend a remote or face to face practical ultrasound workshop to help improve your skills.
A final workshop is offered to practice skills on a puncture block, a safe but realistic model.
The student works with a clinical mentor and the course leader, throughout.
The module consists of five ‘blocks’. Each block consists of theory that the student works through independently, followed by a short summative assessment to test knowledge.

Dates 

This course will be delivered online. Details will follow once matriculated. 

Apply 

To reserve your space, please complete and submit this Form.

For more information or if you have any specific questions about this course please email cpd_shsc@napier.ac.uk.

If you need to raise an invoice to pay for your place please email cpd_shsc@napier.ac.uk with the date and course title and the names of all those you’d like to register. We will then contact you with a PO number to quote on your invoice.