The Buttonhole Technique: What's New?

Abstract

The buttonhole technique (BH) was introduced in Italy in 2005 after data obtained by foreign centers in the EDTNA/ERCA setting provided evidence of its advantages. Its correct application requires advanced clinical expertise within the nursing team. An example is the vascular access nurse, who teaches, monitors, and updates clinical protocols. International data have shown a correlation between nurses’ adherence to protocol, their clinical practice skills, and BH outcomes. Shortcuts in the application of BH could lead to complications, the worst of which are access infections. Professional motivation and proper training of the nursing team play a pivotal role in activating the quality improvement loop. Proposing and supporting new clinical practice and organization models is part of the mission of any professional society.