Improving Cannulation Success and Patient Experience Using Airglove

A Six-Year Clinical Perspective from the Edinburgh Cancer Centre Heather McVicars: Oncology Clinical Research Nurse Manager Western General Hospital – NHS Lothian

Introduction:
Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) remains a common and challenging issue in cancer care. Repeated cannulation attempts, staff pressure, patient anxiety and distress contribute significantly to delays, complications, and reduced clinical efficiency.

For more than six years, Heather McVicars, an Oncology Clinical Research Nurse Manager at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, has integrated Airglove, a controlledarm-warming device, into routine practice for patient’s who experience difficult cannulation. Heather’s experience provides unique insight into its impact on patient outcomes, work flow, and staff confidence.

Background: Challenges in Traditional Practice
Heather’s team cares for a large, complex patient population, including many with heavily treated veins following long-term systemic anticancer therapies, complex physiology, limited vein access, and frequent venepuncture. Traditional warming techniques—hot water immersion and heat pads—presented significant drawbacks such as rapid heat loss, infection-control concerns, workflow delays, and patient discomfort.

“Anecdotal reports from throughout the hospital state that in some case, multiple attempts were needed to gain peripheral access. This shows that the vascular access issue is not restricted to Oncology and Haematology”.

Discovering Airglove
Airglove first arrived in Heather’s department just before the COVID pandemic. Although only a single unit was provided initially, it quickly became a vital part of daily practice. Despite pandemic disruption, the team continued to use Airglove daily. Positive results—especially in heavily treated (multiple IV therapies) and complex breast cancer patients—prompted Heather to formally evaluate the device.

Evaluation Process
Heather conducted a structured evaluation as part of a Quality Improvement Project (QIP), using patient and staff questionnaires delivered digitally. The project focused on vein assessment, ease of cannulation, and time taken to access veins compared with hot water. Staff confidence, patient experience, and workflow impact were also recorded. This generated strong qualitative and quantitative insights.

1. Dramatically improved vein access in difficult access patients.
2. Strong patient preference due to warmth, comfort, and reduced anxiety.
3. Reduced work flow burden, fewer missed attempts, and improved clinical flow.

“Experienced staff described the benefits as “amazing,” and patients valued the professional, dignified approach offered by Airglove.”

Training and Adoption
Heather’s team received initial training from Airglove educators, but staff found the device intuitive. Key learning points included correct glove positioning, gentle handling of the nozzle, and using multiple warming cycles where needed.

“Today, Airglove is fully implemented, regularly requested by both staff and patients.”