Effectiveness of Radial Artery Positioning Board (RAPB) on Radial Artery Access and Prevention of Access Site Complications among Patients Admitted in Critical Care Units at Tertiary Care Hospital, Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Radial artery access is a fundamental procedure in critical care settings, yet achieving optimal wrist extension poses challenges. This study investigates the efficacy of a novel intervention, the radial artery positioning board (RAPB), in enhancing radial artery access success rates and preventing access site complications among critically ill patients.  Methods: Employing a randomized controlled trial with a two-group post-tests only control design, 160 patients were enrolled using a block random sampling method. The study, conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, utilized both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to assess the outcomes.  Results: Analysis revealed a significant improvement in the success rates of radial artery access (z = -11.125, p < 0.05) and a notable reduction in access site complications (z = 7.938, p < 0.05) in the RAPB group compared to the control group. Furthermore, a positive correlation was established between successful radial artery access using RAPB and the prevention of access site complications (r = 0.504, p < 0.05).  Conclusion: The findings underscore the effectiveness of RAPB in facilitating early radial artery access with heightened success rates and diminished access site complications among critically ill patients. Additionally, body mass index and comorbidities exhibited statistically significant associations with radial artery access (p < 0.05), emphasizing the need for tailored interventions in this population.