The effect of the use of sterile transparent film dressing on the catheter dwell time and the development of catheter-related complications in newborns: Randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sterile transparent film dressing and tape dressing used in peripheral intravenous catheter application in newborns on the catheter dwell time and the development of catheter-related complications.

METHODS

The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital as a randomized controlled trial design. This study was conducted with the group that sterile transparent film dressing and the group that tape dressing methods. Data were collected using newborn follow-up forms, the Infiltration Scale and Phlebitis Scale.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups referring to the signs of extravasation, phlebitis, and occlusion in newborns related to the catheter dwell time and catheter-related complications (p > 0.05). The scores and signs of infiltration were higher in the tape dressing group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The use of a sterile transparent film dressing reduces tissue infiltration in neonates with peripheral intravenous catheters. It is recommended that health care professionals working in neonatal intensive care units use sterile transparent film dressings to dress peripheral intravenous catheters.