Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is performed by inserting a catheter into a peripheral vein to provide venous access for intravenous (IV) treatment. It is the most common invasive hospital procedure with up to 70% of in-patients receiving one. They are important to help provide appropriate care to patients for the administration of IV fluids and medications. Despite a large proportion of hospitalised patients receiving PIVCs, it is linked with complications and over 50% failure rates. Currently, there is no robust method for capturing the clinical outcomes related to PIVCs. There is a reliance on the medical and nursing record and we know this approach is flawed. This study proposes to investigate the current vascular access practices within the participating hospital. The data of interest include the number of devices patients have received, the number of PIVC insertion attempts, why they received it, and the length of time the PIVC remains in a peripheral vein. The anatomical location of the first device will be recorded and follow-up each day until patient discharge. The medical and nursing record will be used to collect additional data and where it does not include the required information we will ask where possible if the patient and clinical staff can confirm answers. By capturing the proposed data and reviewing the vascular access practices in the hospital, we will highlight where improvements are required. In doing so we can translate research findings to improve vascular access practices. For example, reduce delayed or missed intravenous medicine rates owing to PIVC failure. We propose that this study will ultimately improve patient safety; experiences and reduce complications; costs associated with PIVC such as equipment, and staff time, and improve our curriculum with PIVCs. In essence, this project will contribute to the knowledge base on vessel health and preservation.
