Adrienne discusses the value of becoming proficient at using ultrasound for guiding hemodialysis cannulations. The presentation covers current evidence and expert recommendations for using ultrasound to increase clinician confidence, reduce patient anxiety, and reduce risks of adverse events during the cannulation process. She provides an overview of how ultrasound works to allow visualisation of key structures and guidance of the insertion, and recommend steps to take to increase the rate of adoption of ultrasound in the dialysis unit.
What You'll Learn
- How POCUS results in safer cannulation
- Tips to become proficient at using POCUS for cannulation
- Which fistula and graft-related issues can be identified using ultrasound
- How to initiate ultrasound-guided cannulation within your institution
Since graduating in 1995, with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, Adrienne Barrett has focused for 25 years on caring for dialysis patients. Her influence on successful hemodialysis practices has expanded over the years through her evolving roles in education and provincial policy initiatives.
Adrienne is currently the Body Access/Independent Dialysis Nurse for the Health Sciences North Nephrology Program in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, where she contributes to a multidisciplinary, patient-centered care team. Her responsibilities include knowledge sharing at symposia, conferences, and workshops, and contributing to task groups for the Ontario Renal Network.
