The effectiveness of a systematized nursing care intervention in the prevention and identification of phlebitis

• Main Author: Oliveira,Filipa
• Publication Date: 2024
• Other Authors: Gomes,Isabel, Oliveira,Ana Rita
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0873-30152024000200207
• topic: phlebitis; peripheral venous catheterization; patient safety; evidence-based practice; nursing care

Abstract Introduction: The use of peripheral venous catheters (PVC) is the most common nursing procedure and carries patient risks, including developing phlebitis. A nursing care protocol for PVC was created at the institutional level to standardize nurses' practices. Objective: To analyze the incidence of phlebitis associated with PVC before (Group A) and after (Group B) implementation of the protocol; Characterize phlebitis associated with PVC; Identify risk factors that contribute to the development of phlebitis associated with PVC. Methods: An observational, quantitative, and descriptive study was carried out, with non-probabilistic samples for convenience, in which each group consisted of 50 participants. Results: After implementing the protocol, there was a reduction in the incidence rate of phlebitis from 26% to 12%, as well as a decrease in grade 3 phlebitis, with only grade 1 and 2 phlebitis being identified. It was also found that around 90% of the participants with phlebitis were undergoing antibiotic therapy, namely Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, and Flucloxacillin. Conclusion: The protocol could have benefits in reducing the incidence of phlebitis by standardizing practices based on scientific evidence, providing better quality of care, and lowering the costs associated with hospitalization.