Infection Prevention and Vascular Access

Do you want to develop your research skills in infection prevention or vascular access? We're here to help.

Our researchers work with clinicians, consumers, industry, government and academic partners to generate and implement evidence for clinical practices that prevent and detect healthcare associated infection across the spectrum of healthcare specialties.

We strive to investigate and trial solutions for real-world problems, minimising infectious complications, and reducing economic and societal burden. 

A particular focus is on the surveillance, detection, and prevention of infections in invasive medical devices such as vascular and urinary catheters, which are a leading cause of healthcare associated bloodstream infections.

Our research team is a collaborative between the University of Queensland’s School of  Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, the UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Metro North’s Herston Infectious Diseases Institute (HeIDI) and the Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR). We are based at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in Brisbane, Australia with worldwide collaborations.

The Infection Prevention and Vascular Access group is led by Professor Claire Rickard, who has over 25 years’ experience in invasive device research. Our researchers are all health professionals with a passion for healthcare safety and quality improvement.

The Infection Prevention and Vascular Access group offers great opportunities for clinician researchers to make a difference. If you’re an enthusiastic student or professional with a passion for infection prevention and/or vascular access research, please contact us.

The program of research is led by Professor Claire Rickard

Research projects

• Difficult Access Requires Thought, Training and Technology (DART3) - Co-developing an ultrasound pathway for patients with difficult intravenous access.