PERIPHERAL VENIPUNCTURE: COMPREHENSION AND EVALUATION OF NURSING PRACTICES

Assessment, Treatment, and Follow-Up of Phlebitis Related to Peripheral Venous Catheterisation: A Delphi Study in Spain

BACKGROUND

Phlebitis related to peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) is a common complication in patients who require these devices and can have important consequences for the patients and the healthcare system. The management and control of the PVC-associated complications is related to nursing competency. The present study aims to determine, at the national level in Spain, the consensus on the assessment, treatment, and follow-up of PVC-related phlebitis and the importance of the actions taken.

METHOD

A three-round Delphi technique was used with clinical care nurses who are experts in the field of in-hospital intravenous treatment in Spain. For this, an online questionnaire was developed with three open-ended questions on the dimensions of phlebitis assessment, treatment, and follow-up. For the statistical analysis of the results, frequencies and percentages were used to determine consensus, and the measures of central tendency (mean, standard deviation, and the coefficient of variation) were used to rank importance. The coefficient of variation was set as acceptable at ≤30%.

RESULTS

The final sample was 27 expert nurses. At the conclusion of round 3, actions were ranked according to their importance, with six items included in the PVC-related phlebitis assessment (symptomatology/observation, redness, the Maddox scale, induration, temperature, and pain), two in treatment (catheter removal, pentosan polysulphate sodium ointment + application of cold), and just one in follow-up (general monitoring + temperature control).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a major disparity in relation to the PVC-related phlebitis assessment, treatment, and follow-up actions. More clinical studies are therefore needed to minimise the complications associated with the use of PVCs, given their impact on the quality of care and patient safety and their economic cost.

Nursing Practices and Sensitive Outcomes Related to Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization in Portugal: A Scoping Review

Implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential for ensuring high-quality nursing care. In Portugal, nurses are responsible for care delivery to patients who require peripheral intravenous access. However, recent authors emphasized the predominance of a culture based on outdated professional vascular access practices in Portuguese clinical settings. Thus, the aim of this study was to map the studies conducted in Portugal on peripheral intravenous catheterization. A scoping review was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations, with a strategy adapted to different scientific databases/registers. Independent reviewers selected, extracted, and synthesized the data. Of the 2128 studies found, 26 were included in this review, published between 2010 and 2022. Previous research shows that Portuguese nurses' implementation of EBP was found to be relatively low overall, while most studies did not attempt to embed EBP change into routine care. Although nurses are responsible for implementing EBP at an individual patient level, the studies conducted in Portugal report nonstandardized practices among professionals, with significant deviations from recent evidence. This reality, combined with Portugal's absence of government-endorsed evidence-based standards for peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion and treatment and vascular access teams, may explain the country's unacceptably high incidence of PIVC-related complications reported over the last decade.

Peripheral vascular catheter use in Latin America (the vascular study): A multinational cross-sectional study

Background

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is one of the most common clinical procedures worldwide, yet little data are available from Latin America. Our aim was to describe processes and practices regarding PIVC use in hospitalized patients related to hospital guidelines, characteristics of PIVC inserters, prevalence of PIVC complications, and idle PIVCs.

Methods

In 2019 we conducted a multinational, cross-sectional study of adult and pediatric patients with a PIVC in hospitals from five Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. We used two data collection tools to collect hospital guidelines and patient-specific data on the day of the study. The vessel health and preservation (VHP) model guided synthesis of the study aims/questions and suggested opportunities for improvement.

Results

A total of 9,620 PIVCs in adult (86%) and pediatric inpatients in 132 hospitals were assessed. Routine replacement 8-72 hourly was recommended for adults in 22% of hospitals, rather than evidence-based clinical assessment-based durations, and 69% of hospitals allowed the use of non-sterile tape rather than the international standard of a sterile dressing. The majority (52%) of PIVCs were inserted by registered nurses (RNs), followed by nursing assistants/technicians (41%). Eight percent of PIVCs had pain, hyperemia, or edema, 6% had blood in the extension tubing/connector, and 3% had dried blood around the device. Most PIVCs had been inserted for intravenous medications (81%) or fluids (59%) in the previous 24 h, but 9% were redundant.

Conclusion

Given the variation in policies, processes and practices across countries and participating hospitals, clinical guidelines should be available in languages other than English to support clinician skills and knowledge to improve PIVC safety and quality. Existing and successful vascular access societies should be encouraged to expand their reach and encourage other countries to join in multinational communities of practice.

PUNÇÃO VENOSA PERIFÉRICA E CONTRASTE NOS EXAMES RADIOLÓGICOS: REPRESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS ANCORADAS NOS ESTRESSORES DE NEUMAN

RESUMO Objetivo: discutir as representações sociais sobre a punção venosa periférica e o uso de meios de contraste de pessoas submetidas a exames radiológicos, referenciando-se no conceito de estressores. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, delineada na abordagem processual da Teoria das Representações Sociais, realizada com 57 usuários submetidos a exames de Tomografia Computadorizada e Ressonância Magnética em um Hospital Universitário de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Realizaram-se entrevistas individuais em profundidade desencadeadas por questões norteadoras em janeiro de 2019. Os conteúdos das entrevistas foram transcritos na íntegra e realizou-se análise de conteúdo em três etapas (pré-análise, exploração do material e tratamento/interpretação dos resultados). A análise temático-categorial estabelecida a partir das dimensões e origens representacionais possibilitou a discussão dos achados ancorada nos conceitos de estressores, permitindo a identificação de três categorias baseadas nos estressores intrapessoais, interpessoais e transpessoais. Resultados: a punção e o exame foram representados pelas vivências individuais, grupais, com profissionais e ambiente terapêutico, classificados nas categorias: itinerário e concepções sobre punção e exames contrastados, com base em estressores intrapessoais; relações compartilhadas sobre a punção e o exame, fundamentadas em estressores interpessoais e vivências no ambiente terapêutico de um serviço de diagnóstico por imagem, a partir dos estressores transpessoais. Conclusão: as representações sociais foram significadas por exame, resultado e impactos na vida, retratando estressores alicerçados em imagens/sentimentos de dúvida e comportamentos positivos justificados racionalmente, que explicitam respostas humanas a conteúdos reificados, possibilitando a reestruturação do cuidado em saúde e em enfermagem.

PERIPHERAL VENOUS PUNCTURE AND CONTRAST IN RADIOLOGICAL EXAMS: SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS ANCHORED IN NEUMAN’S STRESSORS

ABSTRACT Objective: to discuss the social representations about peripheral venipuncture and the use of contrast media of people submitted to radiological examinations, referring to stressor concept. Method: this is qualitative research, outlined in the procedural approach of the Social Representation Theory, carried out with 57 users undergoing computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging at a university hospital in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. In-depth individual interviews triggered by guiding questions were conducted in January 2019. The contents of the interviews were fully transcribed and content analysis was carried out in three stages (pre-analysis, material exploration and treatment/interpretation of results). We established thematic analysis based on the dimensions and representational origins, which made it possible to discuss the findings anchored in the concepts of stressors, allowing the identification of three categories based on intrapersonal, interpersonal and transpersonal stressors. Results: puncture and examination were represented by individual, group, professional and therapeutic environment experiences, classified into the following categories: itinerary and conceptions on puncture and contrasted examinations based on intrapersonal stressors; shared relationships on puncture and examination, based on interpersonal stressors; and experiences in the therapeutic environment of a diagnostic imaging service, based on transpersonal stressors. Conclusion: the social representations were signified by examination, results and impacts on life, portraying stressors based on images/feelings of doubt and positive behaviors rationally justified, which explain human responses to reified content, enabling the restructuring of health care and nursing.

NURSING CARE IN PERIPHERAL INTRAVENOUS CATHETERIZATION IN HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN: INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe nursing care in peripheral intravenous catheterization in hospitalized children. Method: integrative review carried out in November 2020 in LILACS, CINAHL, MEDLINE, SciELO, BDENF and COCHRANE databases. The analysis was constructed from the processes of this review. Results: 19 articles were analyzed, classified according to the level of evidence: level II (5%), level IV (21%), level V (5%), level VI (63%) and level VII (5%). Analytical category "Care for hospitalized child requiring peripheral intravenous catheter". Ultrasound was considered a useful technology. The most used and recommended catheter is the 24 Gauge caliber and the ideal dressing is to use sterile transparent film. Venipuncture in children is more difficult than adults and is often associated with adverse events. Elective catheter replacement is not recommended in children, but there are still doubts. The Difficult Intravenous Access score determines the probability of catheterization failure. Specialized and trained nursing professionals make a difference in this procedure. One should be concerned with pain, using pharmacological and non-pharmacological devices to minimize it. Conclusion: this review contributes to good practices in the care of peripheral intravenous catheterization in children and was based on data on the main technologies used, forms of prevention of adverse events, as well as nursing actions that ensure the safest and least stressful process for children and their families.

What do we know about flushing for intravenous catheter maintenance in hospitalized adults?

ABSTRACT Objective: to evidence the use of flushing to prevent complications from intravenous therapy. Methods: an integrative review in databases, using descriptors and selection criteria. Data were collected in 12 articles using an instrument and later classified, summarized and aggregated for knowledge synthesis. Results: it was evident that: the pre-filled syringe resulted in a lower occurrence of catheter obstruction; irregular flushing frequency caused advanced phlebitis; the use of Venous Arterial Blood Management Protection (VAMP) generated a lower incidence of blood infection; heparinized solution did not result in a lower central catheter failure rate; flushing volume and frequency were not predictors of catheter failure; flushing practice was not shown to be incorporated among professionals. Conclusion: there are disagreements about the volume, frequency, solution and devices used in flushing. New technologies can reduce complications such as obstruction and infection.

Representações sociais de mulheres sobre cateterização venosa para procedimento anestésico-cirúrgico

Introdução: A cateterização venosa é essencial para procedimentos anestésico-cirúrgicos, com características compatíveis com estabilidade, volume de fluxo em curtos espaços de tempo e grosso calibre a fim de evitar trauma vascular. Objetivo: Identificar as representações sociais de mulheres sobre punção venosa para fins anestésico-cirúrgicos à luz dos estressores de Neuman. Materiais e métodos: Estudo qualitativo por abordagem estrutural das representações sociais realizada em um serviço de cirurgia, Brasil. Amostra de seleção completa (n=180) com delineamento temporal composta por mulheres (idade ≥18 anos) submetidas à punção venosa durante procedimentos anestésico-cirúrgicos. Utilizou-se técnica de evocação livre de palavras com o termo indutor “pegar veia para anestesia e cirurgia”. Realizou-se análise prototípica empregando o software EVOC2003. Os requisitos ético-legais foram atendidos. Resultados: As mulheres tinham de 20 a 39 anos (63%) e 10 a 13 anos de escolaridade (56,1%). No possível núcleo central constam sentimentos (“dor” e “medo-sem-medo”) em oposição à área de contraste “(in)certeza-habilidade-profissional” e “tranquila-fácil” e com elementos objetivados superativados alocados na primeira periferia, retratando estressores intrapessoais, interpessoais e extrapessoais. Discussões: A dor, enquanto objeto representacional, remeteu à função justificadora quando aproximada da agulha, reafirmando o surgimento de medo, nervosismo e da ansiedade (estressores). Conclusões: Dor, medo, ansiedade e nervosismo foram estressores identificados nas representações sociais que necessitam ser monitorados terapeuticamente por meio de relações interpessoais de confiança entre profissional-usuário, aliando a performance do desempenho, sendo necessário inserir a educação permanente para profissionais que puncionam vasos.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Placement in a Cardiology Ward: A Focus Group Study of Nurses' Perspectives

Intravenous therapy administration through peripheral venous catheters is one of the most common nursing procedures performed in clinical contexts. However, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) remain insufficiently used by nurses and can be considered a potential alternative for patients who need aggressive intravenous therapy and/or therapy for extended periods. The purpose of this study was to understand nurses’ perspectives about PICC implementation in their clinical practice. As part of an action-research project, three focus groups were developed in June 2019 with nineteen nurses of a cardiology ward from a Portuguese tertiary hospital. From the content analysis, two main categories emerged: ‘nursing practices’ and ‘patients’. Nurses considered PICC beneficial for their clinical practice because it facilitates maintenance care and catheter replacement rates. Moreover, nurses suggested that, since there is a need for specific skills, the constitution of vascular access teams, as recommended by international guidelines, could be an advantage. Regarding patient benefits, nurses highlighted a decrease in the number of venipunctures and also of patient discomfort, which was associated with the number of peripheral venous catheters. Infection prevention was also indicated. As an emerging medical device used among clinicians, peripherally inserted central catheters seem to be essential to clinical practice.

Prevention and Treatment of Phlebitis Secondary to the Insertion of a Peripheral Venous Catheter: A Scoping Review from a Nursing Perspective

The objective of this work was to identify available evidence on nursing interventions for the prevention and treatment of phlebitis secondary to the insertion of a peripheral venous catheter. For this, a scoping systematic review was carried out following the guidelines in the PRISMA declaration of documents published between January 2015 and December 2020. The search took place between December 2020 and January 2021. Scielo, Pubmed, Medline, Scopus, WOS, CINHAL, LILACS, and Dialnet databases were consulted, and CASPe, AGREE, and HICPAC tools were used for the critical reading. A total of 52 studies were included to analyze nursing interventions for treatment and prevention. Nursing interventions to prevent phlebitis and ensure a proper catheter use included those related to the maintenance of intravenous therapy, asepsis, and choosing the dressing. With regard to the nursing interventions to treat phlebitis, these were focused on vigilance and caring and also on the use of medical treatment protocols. For the prevention of phlebitis, the highest rated evidence regarding asepsis include the topical use of >0.5% chlorhexidine preparation with 70% alcohol or 2% aqueous chlorhexidine, a proper hygienic hand washing, and the use clean gloves to handle connections and devices. Actions that promote the efficacy and safety of intravenous therapy include maintenance of venous access, infusion volume control, verification of signs of phlebitis during saline solution and medication administration, and constant monitoring. It is recommended to remove any catheter that is not essential. Once discharged from hospital, it will be necessary to warn the patient about signs of phlebitis after PVC removal.