ISAVE That Podcast

In this episode, Judy Thompson speaks to Lori Kaczmerek MSN, RN, VA-BCᵀᴹ, Petra Ostrom, BSN, RN, CIC and Tomoko Ray, MBA, RRT, CIC, VA-BCᵀᴹ. Petra and Tomoko are infection preventionists from Orlando, Florida and share a wonderful perspective related to infection prevention and vascular access. 

Vascular access is one of the most common interventions we perform in the hospital—but when it comes to infection prevention, are we giving every vascular access device the attention it deserves?

 We’ll look beyond the traditional focus on central lines and explore the broader vascular access picture: peripheral IVs, arterial catheters, dressing integrity, bleeding and oozing, securement, and the everyday challenges that can create opportunities for contamination and infection.

 And importantly, we’ll talk about hospital-onset bacteremia and what it means for infection prevention, considering the potential contribution of all vascular access devices to bloodstream infection risk.

Judy talks to Danielle Gallagher RN, BSN, Senior Manager Clinical Support, J&J MedTech Biopatch and Holly J. Montejano, MS, MBA, CIC, CPHQ, VA-BC, Director, Clinical Education & Program Development, PDI regarding the newly formed dynamic partnership between PDI and J&J to combat Catheter Associated Blood Stream Infections (CABSI).

Watch the podcast on YouTube

Gross contamination of vascular access devices can occur when catheter connections, hubs, tubing, or primary dressings are exposed to bodily fluids, moisture, environmental debris, or other contaminants. These events may be especially visible in pediatric care, but the underlying risks are relevant across settings, including adult critical care, oncology, home infusion, and long-term vascular access.

In this episode, a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist from Seattle Children’s Hospital will draw on real-world clinical experience to discuss everyday contamination risks, why they matter, and how clinicians can better prevent, recognize, and respond to them.

Watch the podcast on YouTube

In this episode of the I Save that Podcast, Judy talks to four researchers on the topic of dressing disruption and possible solutions to this world wide problem.  Drs., Nicole Marsh, Amanda Corley, Evan Alexandrou, and Tricia Kleidon discuss "The Sticky Trial".

In this CE Podcast Judy, Dr. Sarah Capalla and Jenny Ballard discusses the impact of the impending CMS movement towards imposing Hospital Onset Bacteremia (HOB) reporting.  The conversation discusses education, leadership, and the use of medical technologies to prevent vascular access harm.

The learning objectives are:

•       Explain what Hospital-Onset Bacteremia and Fungemia (HOB) are

•       List the types of vascular access catheters, both venous and arterial, associated with Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)

•       Discuss what cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive is and highlight the features that make it valuable for caring for and maintaining vascular access catheters

•       Review research findings and real-world examples showing cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive used with patients of all ages

This presentation will award the attendee with 1 contact hour of continuing education. The Association for Vascular Access is an accredited continuing education provider through the California Board of Registered Nurses. Provider #: CEP12371.

This Podcast will be available 60 days and offers 1 CE until May 20, 2026.

Listen to the end of the podcast for instructions on how to claim your CE. 

Judy talks to Dr. Greg Shears about a wide array of vascular access topics. The main focus being central venous access device practice and tip termination.  Join these two for our podcast as we start to travel to Kissimmee, Florida for AVA's Annual Scientific Meeting!

See YouTube video -  https://youtu.be/-2UarFXcio0

Join Judy as she discusses vascular access practice with Dr. Jack LeDonne MD, VA-BC, Dr. Adam Friedlander MD, Dennis Woo RN, VA-BC

Our physician partners are the top of the food chain in medicine. We look up to them and respect their knowledge. Conversely, we scratch our heads at their practice in vascular access!

Why are they blindly poking groins? Why are they still suturing lines? Why are they still placing blind? What about those ugly IJ’s inserted high in the neck whose extension tubing is like a hair accessory?

Learning Objectives:

1.        Understand discrepancies in practice between Vascular Access Specialists and Physicians.

2.        Describe variations in training for central line insertion

3.        Summarize steps to improve multidisciplinary practice

We are excited to offer 1 CE 

This presentation will award the attendee with 1 contact hour of continuing education. The Association for Vascular Access is an accredited continuing education provider through the California Board of Registered Nurses. Provider #: CEP12371.   

This Podcast will be available for 1 CE for 60 days - until August 11, 2025

Judy and Dennis (TheVascular Guy) discuss the importance of patient-centered care, the challenges of managing patients with sensitive skin sensitivities, and the need for alternative solutions like Covalon's dressings. They also explore the potential trend of increased skin sensitivity, the use of chlorhexidine and silicone-based dressings for patient care, and the importance of thorough patient assessment and providing multiple treatment options. The duo conclud by discussing the challenges of implementing cultural and administrative changes in healthcare systems, the importance of patch testing with products, and the need for improved practices in managing catheters.

Thank you to Covalon for sponsoring this Podcast! www.covalon.com

In the inaugural episode of Season 8, Judy welcomes Bill Poirier, the Executive Director of the Renal Healthcare Association (RHA). RHA provides a support network for independent and community-based dialysis providers. Today, our association has evolved into a trusted leader, serving as a collective voice and advocate for the industry, promoting growth, innovation, and collaboration among our members. 

Both AVA and RHA serve many of the same patients, and the effects of our work can significantly impact the outcomes for the renal patients served by RHA members.