JOPHON CNE (2023 Jan/Feb) – Pilot Randomized Trial of a Three Times Weekly Heparin Flushing

JOPHON Courses offer continuing education created from JOPHON, APHON’s acclaimed journal. These courses feature original, peer-reviewed research aimed at enhancing clinical nursing care for children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders, and their families.

Title: Jan/Feb 2023 Pilot Randomized Trial of a Three Times Weekly Heparin Flushing Intervention in Pediatric Hematology Oncology Patients with Tunneled Central Venous Catheters

Author(s): Kathleen Adlard, MN, RN, CNS, CPON®, Carol Brown, BSN, RN, CPHON®, CHPPN®, Samantha Hayward, BSN, RN, CPHON®, Jennifer Barrows, PhD, RN, and Lori MacLean, BSN, RN, CPON®, BMTCN®

Course Overview: This course is designed to provide healthcare professionals with comprehensive knowledge on the importance of flushing techniques in maintaining the patency of tunneled central venous catheters (TCVCs) in pediatric hematology-oncology patients. Participants will learn about the evidence supporting the current flushing frequency of TCVCs in children and adolescents with cancer, and will be able to describe the positive-pressure and push-pause flushing techniques. The course aims to equip attendees with the skills necessary to discuss the significance of proper flushing protocols and summarize the findings of the study, which concluded that positive-pressure and push-pause techniques can effectively reduce the risk of TCVC occlusion. Additionally, the course will address the feasibility of a three-times weekly flushing protocol for this patient population. 

Learning Outcomes:  

• Discuss the importance of flushing techniques in maintaining TCVC patency.  
• Summarize the evidence supporting the current flushing frequency of TCVCs in children/AYA with cancer. 
• Describe the positive-pressure and push-pause flushing techniques. 

APHON will provide 1 nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) contact hour(s) for the successful completion of this course. Successful completion of:

• JOPHON Article Review
• Post-Test
• Evaluation