Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research - Avatar Group

17/03/2026

Step into the future of vascular access care with AVATAR! Did you know AVATAR is on a mission to make vascular access complications history?

Our research findings are already transforming healthcare, improving patient outcomes, and saving millions.

Join us in creating a world where vascular access complications are a thing of the past: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/

Explore AVATAR now and shape the future of healthcare!

AVATAR: Making Vascular Access Complications History

12/03/2026

👧 Improving CVAD Practice in Children: Are We Measuring What Matters?

A decade of studies shows paediatric CVAD improvements focus on effectiveness—but overlook sustainability and cost. This scoping review maps out what’s working—and what’s missing.

🔗 Read more: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/blog/implementation-frameworks--strategies-and-outcomes-in-optimizing-cvad-practice-in-paediatrics--a-scoping-review

10/03/2026

Can sutureless securement devices reduce bloodstream infections - or just improve comfort?
We’ve answered it clearly with evidence and practical takeaways.
👉 Read the full answer: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/faq---cvc-securement-devices-copy.html

05/03/2026

🏥 Why Aren’t Innovative PICCs Being Used in Hospitals?

Despite evidence, many hospitals stick with the familiar. This study explores real-world barriers to adopting newer PICC designs—and what it takes to drive change.
🔗 Read more: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/blog/rethinking-picc-choices--understanding-implementation-in-real-world-hospitals

03/03/2026

It’s one of the most common questions — and we’ve pulled together the evidence-based answer.
👉 Read the full answer: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/faq---cvc-dressings.html

26/02/2026

⚠️ The Hidden Risks of PICC Lines: What Clinicians Should Know

Often seen as the “safer” option, PICCs carry real and sometimes severe risks. This narrative review breaks down the complication rates, vulnerable patient groups, and what can be done better.

🔗 Read more: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/blog/perils-of-the-picc--uncovering-risks---preventing-complications

24/02/2026

🎧 New blog post: Dr Grace Xu on PIVCs in the ED

Dr Grace Xu recently joined the Infusion Nurses Society podcast to discuss the hidden risks of routine IV insertion in emergency care.

We’ve shared the key highlights and why it matters for practice on the AVATAR blog.

👉 Read the blog: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/blog/new-podcast-feature--dr-grace-xu-on-pivcs-in-the-emergency-department--ins-infusion-room-
(Podcast link included in the blog)

24/02/2026

Ultrasound guidance vs landmark technique for CVAD insertion — what’s best in practice?
If you’ve ever debated this on the floor, this one’s for you.
👉 Read the full answer: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/faq---ultrasound-guidance.html

19/02/2026

📊 What Really Drives Central Line Infections? This Model Maps the Risk.

Using a causal model (DAG), researchers identified key patient and catheter factors behind CLABSI. The insights could reshape future trials and infection prevention strategies.
🔗 Read more: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/blog/mapping-the-risk--causal-model-for-central-line-infections

17/02/2026

Do CVAD insertion bundles actually reduce CLABSI?
We break down what the evidence says (and what to implement first).
👉 Read the full answer: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/faq---cvad-bundles.html

12/02/2026

👶 From Idle Lines to Informed Decisions: I-DECIDED’s Impact in Paediatrics

A structured tool made all the difference. This study shows how I-DECIDED improved nursing-led PIVC care—reducing complications, enhancing documentation, and involving families in the process.

🔗 Read more: https://www.avatargroup.org.au/blog/improving-paediatric-iv-care-with-the-i-decided-tool

09/02/2026

Patient experience of peripheral intravenous catheters: A post-discharge online survey

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468045126000118?dgcid=author