Patient Self-Monitoring of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis Score: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate patients' knowledge of using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) score for self-monitoring of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) during hospitalization.

METHODS

A descriptive comparative pilot study was conducted on 64 inpatients aged ≥18 years by using a structured Patient Knowledge Evaluation Questionnaire (PKEQ) on days 1, 2, and 3 of hospitalization. Patients received education on using the VIP score after admission. Patient knowledge levels, phlebitis scores, and major adverse events were compared between younger participants aged ≥18 years to <70 years and older participants aged >70 years.

RESULTS

Results were statistically significant for patient knowledge of using the VIP score on day 1 (P < .015) and day 2 (P < .037) after PIVC insertion but not for day 3. Patients' accuracy of scoring was comparable with nurses' scores. Major in-hospital adverse events were not statistically different. Patients of all ages ≥18 years to >70 years applied their knowledge of the VIP score for accurate assessment and monitoring of their PIVCs for visual signs of phlebitis.

CONCLUSION

These findings could guide innovative clinical practice developments in safe PIVC care by promoting patient education on using the VIP score for early visual detection of PIVC-related complications.