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% ( n  = 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% ( n  = 55) of the catheters were removed due to discharge from hospital. Overall, 29.2% ( n  = 49) of the cases developed phlebitis, with half of the cases (51%, n  = 25) developing grade 2 phlebitis and developed within 48 h in 38.8% of cases ( n  = 19). The mean PIVC dwell time was significantly lower in patients with phlebitis than in those with no phlebitis ( p  < 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.