A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL AUDIT TO COMPARE THE EFFECTS OF TWO PERIPHERAL INTRAVENOUS CATHETER (PIVC) SECUREMENT DEVICES ON THE INCIDENCE OF PIVC FAILURE

Abstract

Background: Over 60% of all hospitalized patients require peripheral venous (PVC). catheterization. Reported failure rates, or unscheduled restarts, range from 33% to 69%. Reliable securement of PVCs is an important factor in its maintenance. The aim of the study is to compare the effects of transparent polyurethane dressing and adhesive dry dressing at peripheral intravenous catheter insertion site on the incidence of PIVC failure

 Methods: A quantitative approach with a comparative observational study design was adopted in this study. The study was conducted in the medicine wards of a tertiary care hospital. Simple random sampling was used, the sample size was 180, with 90 in each arm.  One group got transparent polyurethane dressing and the other adhesive dressing. They were monitored for 72 hours and the site was observed for five days or till discharge.

Results: The study revealed that there was no statistical significant difference between the two securement devices ie., transparent polyurethane and adhesives on PIVC failure at 0.05 level of significance. Hence both securement devices can be used for securing the PIVC insertion site and both are equally effective in prevention of PIVC failure.   

 Conclusion: Hence both securement devices can be used for securing the PIVC insertion site and both are equally effective in prevention of PIVC failure. Although not significant, transparent polyurethane was better in terms of identifying PIVC failure. Hence nurses need to follow the protocols correctly, use securement devises appropriately and be proactive in prevention of PIVC failure.