B. Braun Medical Inc. (B. Braun), a leader in smart infusion therapy and pain management, announced  at the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) Scientific Meeting its expanded focus on addressing health inequities in vascular access and continued commitment to improve patients' experiences with peripheral intravenous (IV) therapy through a multifaceted approach focused on education, training and advancing standards of care.

Peripheral vascular access is a critical component of patient care and the most common invasive procedure performed in healthcare,¹ with more than 300 million peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) sold annually in the United States.² However, the experience of receiving an IV is not the same for all patients.³ In a study of over 100,000 emergency department (ED) patients, the rate of difficult intravenous access (DIVA) was 58% higher for Black patients compared to White patients.³

"At B. Braun, we believe a person's race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or other difference should not affect their ability to be treated appropriately for their individual characteristics and specific health needs," said Angela Karpf, M.D., Corporate Vice President of Medical Affairs. "That's why we are developing innovative programs and technologies to improve health outcomes and are working with leading healthcare organizations, including AVA, to advocate for improved standards of care for all patients, particularly in the delivery of vascular access care."

"The disparities that exist in vascular access care are deeply rooted, and addressing those inequities requires a range of programs and services," said Stephanie Pitts, DNP, RN, CPN, VA-BC, NEA-BC, Sr. Director, Strategy – Therapy Solutions & Programs at B. Braun. "Our Peripheral Advantage^® Program is a key part of the comprehensive approach developed by B. Braun to provide clinicians with the tools and training they need to deliver safe and consistent peripheral IV care," she added.