_ Approximately 85% of all hospitalised patients will
require some form of intravenous therapy.
_ Vascular access device occlusion ranges from 15 to 69%
depending on device and setting, with associated costs to
the patient, organisation and healthcare system.
_ There is a paucity of research and a high degree of
practice variation in the maintenance of peripheral and
central venous device patency, including the role of
flushing to prevent complications.