Association between peripheral intravenous catheters and clinical characteristics in the development of phlebitis.

BACKGROUND

Serious complications can develop from erroneous insertion of a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). Successful PIVC insertion has a great place in the continuation of IV treatment without causing complications that may require the removal of the PIVC.

METHODS

The population for this prospective observational study included patients who had undergone PIVC insertion in the surgical, intensive care, and inpatient units of a large teaching and research hospital in Istanbul. Data were collected via a patient information form, a PIVC and treatment information form, the Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) scale, and a PIVC nurse observation form. The SPSS 24 software package was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Of the 168 patients enrolled, 64.9% ( = 109) were male, and the mean age was 56.71 ± 17.97 years. The mean PIVC dwell time was 73.46 ± 21.57 h, and 32.7% ( = 55) of the catheters were removed due to discharge from hospital. Overall, 29.2% ( = 49) of the cases developed phlebitis, with half of the cases (51%,  = 25) developing grade 2 phlebitis and developed within 48 h in 38.8% of cases ( = 19). The mean PIVC dwell time was significantly lower in patients with phlebitis than in those with no phlebitis ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It was determined that PIVC dwell time could be increased by routine surveillance to monitor for phlebitis regularly. It is recommended that education programs for nurses be developed to prevent PIVC-related complications.