As I reviewed the articles and research selected for publication in this issue of the Journal of Infusion Nursing, I was again reminded of the many facets and functions of infusion therapy. Among the 66 individual Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, the following are included: blood sampling, medication administration, blood administration, utilization of vein visualization technologies, and infusion management for special populations. The articles in this issue address specific aspects of each of these practice areas.
Blood Sampling: Kalvin C. Yu et al, in "Prevalence of Hospital-Onset Bacteremia Pre- and Post-Implementation of a Needleless Blood Sampling Device from Existing Peripheral Catheters," studied the impact on rates of hospital-onset bacteremia (HOB) and fungemia after implementing a needleless blood sampling device used with an existing peripheral catheter. Their research, a retrospective observational exploratory study, compared HOB rates one-year pre- and post-implementation of PIVO(TM) in two hospitals. Further, HOB data from 71 control hospitals that did not implement PIVO were also analyzed and compared.
Medication Administration: "Practical Clinical Guidelines for Natalizumab Treatment in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis," authored by Shirley O'Leary et al, addresses the important role of the infusion nurse in preparation and administration of natalizumab as well as monitoring patients who receive this therapy. This article is packed with great information for clinicians who administer this therapy, including mechanism of action, long-term safety, incidence of serious adverse events, and a pre-infusion checklist. Please don't miss the appendix at the end of the article, "Practical Guidelines for Natalizumab Preparation, Administration, and Monitoring."
Blood Administration: In "Transfusion Practice: Hemolysis Markers After In Vitro Infusion of Packed Red Blood Cells by the Gravitational Method in Peripheral Catheter," researchers Orsi et al compared hemolysis markers after in vitro infusion of red blood cells with varying infusion rates, duration of storage time, and peripheral intravenous catheter size.
Utilization of Vein Visualization Technologies: In their study, "Incorporating Near Infrared Light Vein Visualization Technology into Peripheral Intravenous Access Protocols," Anna Fraifeld and Julie A. Thompson sought to explore how hospitals are using vein visualization technology in nurse-driven protocols and to evaluate whether the technology is being meaningfully integrated into venous assessment and peripheral intravenous catheter access protocols. Don't miss the data shared related to patient satisfaction, reduction in escalations for vascular access device insertion, and reduction in health care-acquired infections.
Infusion Management for Special Populations: In "Survivors' Experiences of Hyperemesis Gravidarum," Cheryl Tatano Beck describes the heart-wrenching impact and outcomes of hyperemesis gravidarum. Beck conducted a unique qualitative study utilizing stories posted on Hyperemesis Australia's website to learn about women's experiences of hyperemesis gravidarum. Please take time to learn more about this special patient population, the challenges of this condition, and how you, the infusion specialist, can impact the lives of these patients.
As we wrap up this 46th year of the Journal of Infusion Nursing, we are both reminiscent of the past and expectant of the future. Looking back, we fondly reminisce the celebration of INS' 50th anniversary, the retirement of Mary Alexander, INS CEO and Editor of the Journal, and my first year as editor. Looking forward, we anticipate the newly revised, 9th edition of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, which will be in subscribers' mailboxes, along with the January/February 2024 issue of the Journal in January. The specialty of infusion therapy is broad and multi-dimensional - we are humbled to share with you the excellent work of those who conduct research and share vital practice-related information both in the Journal and in the upcoming supplement, the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice.