Peripheral intravenous catheter practices in Australian and New Zealand neonatal units: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

A B S T R A C TPeripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are important tools for the provision of treatment for unwell and premature neonates. This study aimed to explore current PIVC practices (i.e. insertion, product selection, complications and management priorities) within Australian and New Zealand neonatal units, to identify areas for innovation and practice change. The survey was distributed via Australian and New Zealand neonatal nursing associations, with 180 respondents (54% Australia; 46% New Zealand). Respondents reported an average of 2-3 insertion attempts were required per PIVC, with variability in cleansing agents, decontamination techniques, skin barrier films and PIVC dressing products used. The large majority of respondents reported seeing skin complications associated with PIVCs within their practice (94%). Infection prevention was the highest management priority, and skin complication prevention, the lowest priority. High quality research is necessary to inform neonatal PIVC insertion and management practices, to improve patient safety and treatment provision. plications, and (d) PIVC management priorities.

Fresh Perspectives on Hospital-Acquired Neonatal Skin Injury Period Prevalence From a Multicenter Study

“…The very nature of fragile premature skin adversely places the neonate at risk for any skin injury despite etiology. 41 Previous studies have suggested that prematurity and lower BW were associated with injury, but our results found that injuries could also occur in neonates slightly older (30.75 ± 4.6 weeks GA at birth) and heavier (1325.9 ± 944.1 g BW). 11 Therefore, the results of this study demonstrate that neonates of all ages including preterm, late preterm, long-term, and neonates requiring high acuity are at risk for injury.…”

The Related Factors of Phlebitis Among Low Birth Weight Infants in Perinatology Ward

“… 14 In contrast, a study on neonates in New Zealand stated that the discipline of the inserter might not be the factor causing the peripheral intravenous complication. 21 It is necessary to consider the clinical experience of the nurses in resolving the peripheral infusion cases in LBW.…”

Peripheral intravenous catheter insertion and use of ultrasound in patients with difficult intravenous access: Australian patient and practitioner perspectives to inform future implementation strategies

“…Nationally, Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) affects 30-50% of hospitalised patients [6,7]. Patients at highest risk of DIVA typically fall within the age extremes [8,9], have chronic disease (resultant poor vein quality) [8,10], invisible and/or non-palpable due to excess adipose tissue [2,11]; or live in rural/remote areas, with limited access to advanced practitioners [12]. The consequences of DIVA are significant, with PIVC insertion failure associated with substantial treatment delays [6], increased healthcare costs [13] and significant pain and patient suffering [14,15].…”