Abstract
Safe insertion and management of central venous catheterization (CVC) is an important patient safety issue. Studies in several countries have shown that vascular access teams (VATs) are effective for maintaining patient safety. In this study, we reviewed VATs and their efficacy, and discussed the possibility of introducing VATs to Japan.
Although the precise efficacy of VATs remains unclear, some reports have indicated that they can decrease CVC complications and ensure good service quality. Introducing VATs to Japan might promote clinical practice reforms (work style reforms) and improve healthcare quality. Two problems must be overcome to introduce VAT to Japan: namely, the recruitment of vascular access specialists and education for novice team members. Referring to VAT recruitment in other countries can help in solving the recruitment problem. The education problem might be resolved via high quality education. To this end, we have created a new web-learning system that might help team members obtain expertise through step-by-step self-education.
Overall, we believe that introducing VAT will make significant contributions to healthcare quality and safety in Japan.
https://ror.org/00pfjsb13 
