Introduction

Vascular access constitutes a key component of the therapeutic process, enabling the administration of infusion therapy and the monitoring of patient status. Appropriate selection of vascular access devices, along with their proper use and maintenance, significantly impacts patient safety, as well as the quality of therapy and the course of hospitalisation.

The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and clinical practice of medical personnel regarding techniques applied to vascular access, with particular consideration of evidence-based practice (EBP) principles and awareness of professional competencies.

Material and methods

The study was conducted in 2026 using a diagnostic survey method. An original questionnaire consisting of 43 single- and multiple-choice questions was employed. The survey was divided into the following sections: respondent characteristics, organisational aspects, clinical practice, vascular access replacement, aseptic technique, and clinical knowledge. The study group included 100 respondents working in anaesthesiology and intensive care.

Results

The largest group of respondents consisted of operating room staff (n = 69) and intensive care unit personnel (n = 24). The majority of participants were employed in teaching hospitals (n = 65), while others worked in regional hospitals (n = 20), district hospitals (n = 14), and private facilities (n = 1). Nurses constituted the majority of the study group (n = 80), whereas physicians accounted for 20% (n = 20). The most commonly reported length of professional experience was less than 5 years (n = 42) and 5-10 years (n = 31). The results revealed gaps in vascular access management, including limited ultrasound use despite reported availability (28% reported regular use), lack of managerial support for vascular access teams (73%), and variation in clinical practices and knowledge of vascular access.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions aimed primarily at standardizing clinical practice, as well as improving the quality and safety of patient care. The development of organisational structures supporting vascular access management in clinical practice may also play a key role.