Prehospital peripheral venous catheters: a prospective study of patient complications.

PURPOSE

To investigate prehospital peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) in relation to the frequency of thrombophlebitis.

METHOD

Data in this prospective study were collated using three types of data source: a study-specific questionnaire, a PVC observation instrument (PVC assess), and electronic patient records. The questionnaire was distributed to ambulance crews who had inserted a PVC before bringing the patient to an emergency department at a level one trauma centre in Sweden during 10 weeks in 2008-2009. Patients admitted to hospital ward were followed-up daily by registered nurses using the PVC assess until the PVC was removed. Patient record data were collected by means of auditing.

RESULTS

Of the 83 patients available for follow-up, 45 (54%) developed thrombophlebitis. Quick PVC removal was performed in 32 (71%) of these patients while 13 (29%) PVCs were left in situ for 1-8 days. No association was found between the occurrence of thrombophlebitis and potential risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although thrombophlebitis frequently occurred in PVCs inserted in a prehospital setting, early removal of the device with complication was common. Further studies are warranted to identify the optimal in situ time for PVCs inserted by prehospital emergency teams.