Patient Education: Vascular Access

Plain-language guides for patients and families on IV lines, catheters, infusion therapy, and vascular access care — what to expect, how to stay safe, and when to ask for help.

42 articles Updated Feb 2026

Mental Health and Emotional Adjustment During IV Therapy

A guide to the emotional and psychological challenges of living with a vascular access device and undergoing IV therapy — normalizing anxiety and depression, identifying when to seek professional support, and practical coping strategies.

Medication Safety: Your Role in Preventing Errors

How patients can actively participate in preventing IV medication errors — understanding the five rights, verifying identity before every administration, knowing your medications, asking questions, safe home medication management, and speaking up when something seems wrong.

Living Well with Long-Term IV Therapy

A guide to maintaining quality of life during long-term IV therapy — practical strategies for daily life, sleep, clothing, work, relationships, travel, and finding a sustainable new normal while managing a catheter and infusion schedule.

Keeping Your IV Safe: Infection Prevention

How patients and families can help prevent IV-related infections, what hand hygiene means at the bedside, when to alert your care team, and what your nurses are doing to keep your catheter safe.

IV Medications and Infusion Therapy Explained

What patients need to know about IV medications and infusion therapy — types of infusions, what to expect during treatment, how the pump works, side effects to watch for, and how to stay comfortable.

Insurance and Prior Authorization for Home Infusion Therapy

A patient guide to navigating insurance coverage and prior authorization for home infusion therapy — how prior auth works, why delays happen, how to appeal a denial, financial assistance resources, and who can help you navigate the system.

Home Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN): Your Complete Guide

A complete patient guide to home total parenteral nutrition (TPN) — what TPN contains, equipment and setup, daily monitoring, managing the pump and infusion cycle, complications to watch for, lab requirements, and living well on home TPN.

Guide for Parents and Caregivers of Children with IV Lines

A guide for parents and caregivers of children receiving IV therapy or living with a vascular access device — communicating with children about IVs, managing needle fear, age-appropriate activity and school, home catheter care, and caring for yourself as a caregiver.

Guide for Caregivers of Adult Patients on IV Therapy

A guide for family members and unpaid caregivers supporting an adult on home IV therapy — understanding your role, learning care tasks, managing emergency situations, setting realistic limits, and supporting your own well-being.

Going Home with an Implanted Port: Your Complete Care Guide

A complete patient guide to living with an implanted port — how the port works, what port access feels like, home care between uses, activity and bathing, warning signs, and when to seek help.