Advancing vascular access practice through education, innovation and shared learning
Join the IPS IV Forum Conference 2026 for a day of expert-led education, thought-provoking discussion and valuable networking, bringing together healthcare professionals with a shared interest in improving vascular access and IV therapy.
This year’s programme will explore the issues shaping vascular access practice today – from infection prevention and the updated NIVAS standards to vascular access device selection, emerging technologies, human factors and behaviour change.
A key focus will be translating evidence and standards into everyday clinical practice. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear directly from leading experts, explore the implications of the latest NIVAS standards, consider how device choice can influence patient risk, and examine the human factors that can support sustainable improvements in practice.
The programme will also feature an interactive IV Forum debate exploring one of the most relevant questions in vascular access: should PIVCs be routinely replaced every 72 hours, or resited only when clinically indicated? Come prepared to hear different perspectives, challenge established practice and join the conversation.
Alongside the expert speaker programme, the conference will showcase quality improvement, innovation and service development through presentations selected from our Call for Abstracts. Delegates will also have plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues, share experiences and learn from others working across IV therapy and vascular access.
Our exhibition will feature leading organisations and suppliers supporting advances in IV therapy and vascular access, providing an opportunity to discover the latest products, technologies and solutions.
Call for Abstracts
Have you led a project that’s improved vascular access practice or patient care? We’re inviting healthcare professionals to submit abstracts highlighting service improvements, quality improvement initiatives, education, patient safety and innovation. Two successful submissions will be selected to deliver an oral presentation at the conference.
Abstract submissions close 17 September 2026. Find out more and submit your abstract here.
Why attend
- Hear from leading experts in IV therapy, vascular access and infection prevention.
- Understand what the updated NIVAS standards mean for everyday practice.
- Explore vascular access device options and associated risk profiles.
- Discover approaches to human factors and behaviour change that can support safer practice.
- Hear about innovative projects and quality improvement initiatives from fellow healthcare professionals.
- Take part in an interactive debate on PIVC replacement practice.
- Network, share experiences and learn from colleagues across the field.
- Visit the exhibition and discover the latest products, technologies and solutions.
Whether you are looking to update your clinical knowledge, improve practice within your organisation, or connect with colleagues who share your passion for vascular access, the IPS IV Forum Conference 2026 offers a day of practical learning, discussion and inspiration.
Draft agenda
08:45 Registration & Exhibition Viewing
09:15 Welcome & Housekeeping – Jan Hitchcock, IV Forum Co-ordinator
09:30 IV Therapy and Vascular Access Infection Prevention Fundamentals – Professor Jennie Wilson, University of West London
10:00 Community IV Therapy and Vascular Access – Stephanie Richardson, Lead Nurse East Kent Community Service
10:30 Oral presentation selected from abstracts – tbc
10:45 Refreshments and exhibition viewing
11:30 Oral presentation selected from abstracts – tbc
11:45 What are the key changes to current everyday practice arising from the updated NIVAS standards? – Emily Smith, NIVAS Board Member and Nurse Consultant IV Access, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
12:15 Company sponsored session
12:45 Lunch and exhibition viewing
13:45 Company sponsored session
14:00 Types of Vascular Access Devices (VADs) & Risk Profiles – Maya Aquino-Guerrero, Clinical Specialist, Lead/Advanced Nurse (Hon) Practitioner, Medical, Surgical, Rehabilitation and Community Frameworks, NHS Supply Chain
14:30 Comfort break
14:45 Human factors and behaviour change – Kerry Holden, IPS President and Deputy Director of Infection Prevention & Control, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Kate Hurst, Research Fellow, University of the West of England / Elizabeth Jenkinson, Associate Professor in Health Psychology Registered Health Psychologist, UWE / Sophie Finch-Turner, Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse, Gloucestershire Health and Care
15:30 IV Forum Debate: PIVC resite as clinical indication v routine change 72 hours
16:15 Closing remarks and close of conference – Jan Hitchcock