NomenclAture Via Integrated Global Advancements in Terminology Efficiencies (NAVIGATE) & Translation Programme

The NAVIGATE Position Statement is a global initiative to standardise vascular access device terminology across clinical practice, education and research worldwide. This statement is developed in collaboration with GloVANet / WoCoVA.

NAVIGATE is built on a simple yet essential principle: a vascular access device should be understood and defined consistently, regardless of where in the world it is used. Consistent nomenclature is fundamental to patient safety, clinical communication and scientific integrity.

Read the full NAVIGATE Position Statement article here.

GloVANet and WoCoVA support a global initiative to standardise vascular access device terminology across clinical practice, education and research.

Vascular access continues to evolve globally, but the language used to describe them has not always evolved at the same pace. Varying terminology for vascular access devices continues to be used across countries, healthcare systems, professional disciplines, research publications and industry. This creates ambiguity in a field where clarity and precision matter.

Terms such as line, central line, PICC line, arterial line, extended-dwell, or CVC, have been used inconsistently. In some cases, a single term may refer to devices with different meanings, insertion techniques, tip locations, clinical indications etc. NAVIGATE seeks to move vascular access away from ambiguous, locally determined or commercially influenced terminology toward terminology based upon clearly defined anatomical and device characteristics.

Consistent nomenclature is fundamental to patient safety, clinical communication and scientific integrity.

  • When clinicians use the same terminology, communication between disciplines, departments, healthcare systems and professional organisations becomes clearer.
  • When researchers use consistent device definitions, studies can be interpreted, reproduced and compared more reliably, strengthening reviews, analyses and future clinical guidelines.
  • When educators and societies teach a common terminology, clinicians entering vascular access practice develop a shared understanding. 

The NAVIGATE Position Statement aligns with GloVANet / WoCoVA because vascular access is inherently multidisciplinary and international. Different VA practitioners may approach vascular access from different professional perspectives, but the devices being discussed must be clearly and consistently understood.

The NAVIGATE Position Statement — NomenclAture Via Integrated Global Advancements in Terminology Efficiencies, is a statement that addresses the challenges of varying Vascular Access Device (VAD) terminology across the VA landscape. 

The Position Statement is developed in collaboration with GloVANet and WoCoVA and has been published in The Journal of Vascular Access.

NAVIGATE proposes a structured and standardised nomenclature for vascular access devices encompassing peripheral and central venous access as well as arterial access, across neonatal, paediatric and adult populations.

It promotes an important principle: the same vascular access device should mean the same thing, no matter where in the world it is used.

The Position Statement was developed through international expert collaboration, incorporating a comprehensive review of existing terminology followed by a modified Delphi consensus process. The framework recognises that nomenclature must reflect differences between patient populations. NAVIGATE therefore provides terminology specifically addressing adult and paediatric venous access, neonatal vascular access and intra-arterial catheters rather than attempting to impose terminology that does not adequately reflect important clinical and anatomical differences.

NAVIGATE is not a fixed dictionary of terms, but as an step toward unifying the language of vascular access internationally. Devices and technologies continue to evolve, therefore maintaining a common terminology will require ongoing collaboration between clinicians, researchers, educators, societies and industry companies.

NAVIGATE Translation Programme

In order to achieve a shared global language for vascular access, the NAVIGATE Position Statement has been transformed into a one-page English infographic which facilitated the translation into other languages. Currently this infographic is available in 16 languages, with another 14 translations in progress, making the standardised terminology accessible in 30 languages. GloVANet Global Committee members have helped with translating this infographic into the language of their country.

This multilingual approach supports GloVANet / WoCoVA’s mission: to be the worldwide network to enhance global awareness on vascular access and improve patient care.

This multilingual approach aligns with GloVANet / WoCoVA’s mission.

Translation allows clinicians, educators, researchers and healthcare organisations to engage with NAVIGATE terminology worldwide. The objective is to preserve a shared international meaning expressed through multiple native languages.

Making NAVIGATE accessible in languages beyond English, can support education, professional discussion and implementation while reducing linguistic barriers to participation in international vascular access initiatives. 

Standardised terminology creates shared understanding. Shared understanding enables clearer communication. And clearer communication provides an opportunity to make vascular access safer, more consistent and more equitable for patients worldwide.

Here below you can find a list of the current translations: