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Objective To synthesize the current evidence for subcutaneous hydration and medication infusions from systematic reviews and to assess their methodological quality.

Aim To explore the current practices related to the insertion, management and removal of dialysis central venous catheters (CVCs) used in patients with chronic kidney disease requiring haemodialysis. Methods This qualitative descriptive study involved semi‐structured interviews with surgeons, interventional radiologists, renal physicians, dialysis nurses, renal access nurses and renal researchers involved in the care of patients with chronic kidney disease requiring haemodialysis. Data were collected from staff at eight hospitals in six states and territories of Australia. Thirty‐eight face‐to‐face interviews were conducted. A modified five‐step qualitative content analysis approach was used to analyse the data. Results Improved visualization technology and its use by interventional radiologists has steered insertions to specialist teams in specialist locations. This is thought to have decreased risk and improved patient outcomes. Nurses were identified as the professional group responsible for maintaining catheter access integrity, preventing access failure and reducing access‐related complications. While best practice was considered important, justifications for variations in practice related to local patient and environment challenges were identified. Conclusion The interdisciplinary team is central in the insertion, maintenance, removal and education of patients regarding dialysis CVCs. Clinicians temper research‐based decision‐making about central dialysis access catheter management with knowledge of individual, environmental and patient factors. Strategies to ensure guidelines are appropriately translated for use in a wide variety of settings are necessary for patient safety.

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The JLT has high sensitivity for identifying patients with symptoms of serious bowel disease. It is also likely to identify patients who have symptoms of relatively benign disease who would benefit from medical advice.

Background: To expedite diagnosis of serious bowel disease, efforts are required to signpost patients with high-risk symptoms to appropriate care. Community pharmacies are a recognised source of health advice regarding bowel symptoms. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a validated self-administered questionnaire, Jodi Lee Test (JLT), for detection, triage and referral of bowel symptoms suggestive of carcinoma, in pharmacies.

Background

Infusion of fluids and medications is traditionally performed intravenously. However, venous depletion in patients has led to the quest for vessel health preservation. A safe, effective, acceptable, and efficient alternative is the subcutaneous route. A lack of organizational policies may contribute to the slow uptake of this practice. This modified e-Delphi (electronic) study aimed to derive international consensus on practice recommendations for subcutaneous infusions of fluids and medications. A panel of 11 international clinicians, with expertise in subcutaneous infusion research and/or clinical practice, rated and edited subcutaneous infusion practice recommendations from evidence, clinical practice guidelines, and clinical expertise within an Assessment, Best Practice, and Competency (ABC) domain guideline model. The ABC Model for Subcutaneous Infusion Therapy provides a systematic guideline of 42 practice recommendations for the safe delivery of subcutaneous infusions of fluids and medications in the adult population in all care settings. These consensus recommendations provide a guideline for health care providers, organizations, and policy makers to optimize use of the subcutaneous access route.