QI In Action: Transforming Paediatric Vascular Access at SA Health

We spotlight QI Awards 2024 Winner of the Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety Category.

We are proud to spotlight the winner of the Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety category in the 2024 ACHS Quality Improvement Awards, SA Medical Imaging (SAMI), Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN), and the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) in South Australia. 
 

Reducing Trauma and Delays in Difficult Intravenous Access for Children 

The Fast Advice and Access for Intravenous Routes with Imaging (FAAIRI) Service is Australia’s first nurse-led, comprehensive vascular access service for children, based at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) in Adelaide. Using ultrasound guidance, it aimed to ensure that children needing vascular access devices (VADs) receive the most appropriate device in one attempt and without unnecessary delay. 

For many children, especially those with difficult intravenous access (DIVA), multiple failed IV attempts can be painful, distressing and sometimes traumatic. Previously children were having up to 15 attempts to have lines inserted. When there is difficulty with insertion, senior medical staff from Anaesthesia and Paediatric Intensive Care were called to assist with IV insertions, sometimes causing delays of up to four hours. 
 

The success of FAAIRI 

Over a three-year period since the inception of FAAIRI, the service has delivered over 1,000 insertions per year with an impressive 98% first-time success rate.  When a child has known/predicted DIVA, referrers can ask FAAIRIs to place an IV without themselves making any attempts and usually have that line successfully placed within one hour of referral, often earlier if the patient is ready. 

The service has had a wide-reaching impact on patient safety, staff workflows, and overall hospital efficiency. Fewer attempts mean less trauma for patients, lower consumable costs, and reduced bed days, all contributing to a more responsive and sustainable healthcare delivery. 

FAAIRI has also focused on capacity building. To extend the benefits beyond core business hours, the team has trained over 50 clinicians across key departments in ultrasound guided IV insertion. This has enabled a broader pool of skilled staff to support children with DIVA even after hours, cutting down on unnecessary delays and complications. 
 

Leading the Way Nationally 

FAAIRI’s success is inspiring replication nationwide. Clinicians from across Australia are seeking guidance to implement similar services in their own hospitals. Built on collaboration, research, education, and a deep commitment to paediatric care, the FAAIRI Service is a leading example of innovative, patient centred healthcare.  

You can read the full submission on pg. 4 of the Quality Initaitves Booklet our website here.   

Submit to the QI Awards 2025  

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