Back
For best output, select "Paper Size" as "A4" and "Margin" as "0" or "None".
To save or print to PDF, please select Print Destination > Save as PDF, enable Background Graphics under "More Settings", then click "Save".
During the congress, E-Posters will be accessible to all participants on the congress website 24/7, as well as in the E-poster stations in the congress center.
Preparing your E-Poster
Please review the E-Poster format requirements carefully when preparing your E-Poster. Should your E-Poster not meet the mentioned requirements, it may not be displayed as described above.
E-Poster Submission Deadline
Please prepare and upload your E-Poster no later than March 14, 2026 11.59PM CET. After this date, you will no longer be able to prepare and upload your E-poster and it will not be displayed and accessible on the congress website.
Please follow the instructions below to input your abstract title.
Abstract titles should be brief and reflect the content of the abstract.
Vascular access is a widely regarded procedure in haemodialysis therapy. However, instances such as repeated cannulation attempts, infiltration and hematoma formation pose both significant clinical and psychosocial burdens to patients and healthcare teams. These events typically compromise the longevity of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) but also increase hospitalization rates and overall treatment dissatisfaction.
Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation (USGC) has now emerged as a stronger alternative. Its evidence-based practice allows real-time visualization of vascular structures and improves needle placement accuracy, thus reducing cannulation-related complications. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Singapore has since incorporated USGC into its Vascular Access Improvement Programme as a strategic initiative aimed to strengthen patient safety, standardise proper nursing practices, and promote sustainable vascular access development.
A six-phase development framework was designed and implemented over a 20-month period (November 2023 – August 2025):
Plan and Needs Assessment- Baseline data on cannulation outcomes were collected. Champion nurses were identified to lead the initiative program at designated pilot centres.
Pilot and Structured Training- Conducted in collaboration with interventional nephrologists and vascular surgeons from KTPH, training included both didactic and hands-on sessions across six pilot dialysis centres.
Supervised Practice- Nurses performed ultrasound cannulations under direct supervision. Immediate feedback was provided by experts for technique refinement.
Ongoing Practice- Trainees progressively advanced from beginner to more complex AVF cases as their confidence and skill improved.
Internal Validation- Competencies were assessed through structured assessment checklists to ensure consistency with established standards.
Final Competency Assessment- Conducted by vascular specialists to certify the nurses’ independent practice readiness.
A train-the-trainer model was adopted for scalability, allowing trained champions to mentor peers at their own centres. Data was continuously tracked to monitor missed cannulations, infiltration rates, and successful USGC attempts, complemented by qualitative feedback from nurses and patients.
A total of 100 nurses across 45 dialysis centres had achieved competency in USGC by August 2025. The overall successful cannulation rate reached 97%. The median rate of missed cannulations decreased by 34.7%, from 3.57 to 2.33 per 100 cannulations, while infiltration incidents declined by 55.5%, from 0.83 to 0.37 per 100 cannulations.
Nurses reported improved hand–eye coordination, greater confidence in handling complex AVFs, and deeper understanding of vascular anatomy. Patients expressed increased comfort and reduced anxiety during cannulation procedures, reinforcing the positive impact of USGC on the patient experience.
The introduction of USGC within NKF’s haemodialysis procedure demonstrates that a structured, competency-driven framework can enhance patient safety, reduce vascular access complications, and improve care consistency across centres. Future success depends on continuous mentorship, skills assessments and data monitoring, to embed USGC within standard dialysis workflows.
