Education and training requirements for health care professionals caring for patients with a peripheral intravenous catheter: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are the most commonly used invasive health care devices; however, 35%-50% of PIVCs fail due to complications such as phlebitis, infiltration, occlusion, and infection. Health care professionals (HCPs) play a critical role in minimizing these risks through adherence to evidence-based practices (EBPs).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project was to promote EBPs regarding education and training for HCPs caring for a patient with a PIVC in a trauma/trauma surgery unit in Mississippi, USA.

METHODS

The project was guided by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. Four EBPs, based on a JBI Best Practice Evidence Summary, were used as audit criteria. Next, barriers to EBPs were identified, and strategies to address those barriers were planned and implemented. Follow-up audits were conducted and compared to the baseline audits to determine improvements in compliance.

RESULTS

The baseline audits revealed 44% average compliance with the four EBPs. Barriers included inaccurate PIVC visual aids, lack of nursing access to IV labels, insufficient nursing knowledge on EBPs for IV tubing changes, and absence of a routine evaluation process for nursing adherence to PIVC guidelines. Strategies to address these barriers involved creating accurate visual aids, strategically placing IV labels at nursing stations, conducting in-person education sessions, and introducing a daily patient safety rounding tool. Post-implementation audits revealed 96% average compliance with the four EBPs, a 52% improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing identified barriers through tailored strategies resulted in a structured approach to enhancing PIVC care. Post-implementation audits demonstrated improved adherence to EBPs, thereby likely reducing PIVC complications and improving patient outcomes.

SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A523.