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Comment
. 2021 Feb;74(2):407-447.
doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2020.08.064. Epub 2020 Aug 26.

Upskilling the surgical workforce for vascular access provision during the COVID-19 pandemic - The Salisbury experience

P Valand  1 , T A Curran  1 , W Chow  1 , R Howes  1 , N Lloyd  1 , S Williams  1 , J Steele  2
Affiliations
Comment

Upskilling the surgical workforce for vascular access provision during the COVID-19 pandemic - The Salisbury experience

P Valand et al. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Feb.

Abstract

A vascular access device is defined as a catheter inserted into veins allowing fluids and medicines to be delivered intravenously1. The need for such devices in acutely unwell patients has remained steady throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe here our experience of up-skilling the resident plastic surgery and maxillofacial surgical registrars to provide a vascular access service to reduce the workload on our intensive care colleagues. We hope that our practice and an 'all hands on deck' approach to the utilisation of baseline skills within the existing workforce will inform other departments to help ease the burden on critical care departments as we progress through the next stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: Adaptable workforce; COVID-19; Upskilling surgeons; Vascular access.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest None

Figures

Fig 1
Figure 1
Protocol to aid Device Selection and Indication for individual patients requiring vascular access.
Fig 2
Figure 2
A Comparison of the number of Mid/PICC lines placed by speciality over the course of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment on

References

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