The role of dressings in the prevention of vascular access device infections.

: The risk of a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is an ever-present spectre for a patient with a vascular access device (VAD) in situ. The morbidity associated with these infections is high and incurs substantial costs. Worse still, thousands of patients with a VAD die of a CRBSI each year. Healthcare providers are championing the implementation of strategies that minimise or even eliminate the risk of CRBSIs, as these will improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. However, it is not only the financial implications of CRBSIs that must be considered. The impact of a CRBSI on the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of a patient cannot be underestimated. This article will consider how the use of dressings can reduce the risk of CRBSI.