CHAC
Canadian Hemodialysis Access Coordinators
Who We Are:
CHAC is a Refined Clinical Practice Group of CANNT made up of health professionals created for the primary purpose of influencing and promoting best practice for vascular access among hemodialysis nurses.
CHAC History
Formed in April 2005 - Became a RCPG of CANNT/ACITN in 2009
Group Meets 2-3 times/year
Achievements/Highlight:
The CHAC is one of the refined clinical practice groups of CANNT. Check out the discussion forum on the CANNT website at www.cannt.ca. This forum is now available to vascular access coordinators for networking, sharing information; asking questions and collaborating with their colleagues.
CHAC 2012
- currently 61 CHAC members
- Continued work on updating and revising the 2006 Clinical Educators Network vascular access guidelines with plans to complete by the year end. (An unrestricted grant to support the publication of the guidelines has been made possible through the generosity of Roche).
- a fistula education video for staff and patient’s has been posted under the CHAC logo titled “Should I get a fistula?”.
- Post cards have been developed with step by step instructions on how to access this information video on the CANNT website and will be introduced at CANNT 2012.
CHAC 2011
- New product reviews: CHG dressings and locking solutions.
- New data to support prophylactic CVC antibiotic ointment use. (Six year follow up HIPPO study)
- ORN-VA lead Dr. Louise Moist met with CHAC group in June to highlight the direction of the ORN and some of the most common barriers.
- Continue to update and revise the Clinical Education Network (CEN) original document on Recommendations of Vascular Access in Hemodialysis Patients.
CHAC 2010
- Standard Patient wallet card completed for vein preservation.
- Portable ultrasound teaching tools reviewed and information shared with the group.
- Catheter related blood stream infections and tracking methods reviewed.
- Research opportunities: Standardize VA definitions and data collection and tracking methods.
- Networking template for information sharing continues to be a useful tool for updating policies and procedures and revising practice guidelines.
CHAC 2009
- Discussions on various Vascular Access issues
- Updating mission statement and vision for group
- Template implemented to email all members of CHAC on any vascular access related issues, and be able to share responses with the group
- Information shared on upcoming conferences/workshops
CHAC 2008
- Updated and changes to CHAC web side
- Discussions regarding staff rating for fistulas and nurses skill level
- Update on database for prospective observational study on fistula access and cannulation
- Demonstrated buttonhole technique with use of anigocaths to form tunnel tracts
- Discussions regarding new equipment, procedures, treatments
CHAC 2007
- Web site initiated, including a discussion board
- Groups first meeting at CANNT
- Discussions to standardize Vascular Access practice, share information etc
- Promotion of best practice for vascular access with the hemodialysis RN
- Fistula cannulation project
CHAC 2006
- Set up goals, guidelines, vision for the group
- Developed a logo and topics for future meetings
CHAC 2005
- CHAC initiated
- Various presentations and discussions regarding needs of a Network and Vascular Access role in the hemodialysis units.
