Abstract
A significant number of adult oncology patients require at least one peripheral intravenous catheter to fulfill their therapeutic plan. Recent evidence indicates that catheter failure rates are high in this cohort, impacting care outcomes and patient experience during cancer treatment. This reality represents a challenge to nurses worldwide since in most international settings they are responsible for delivering quality care during the insertion and maintenance of such devices. This study aims to explore current nursing practices regarding the insertion, maintenance, and surveillance of peripheral intravenous catheters in oncology patients. A two-phase mix-method study was conducted with the nursing team from the surgical ward of a large oncology hospital in Portugal. In phase one (observational prospective study), nurses’ practices during catheter insertion and maintenance were observed by the research team and recorded using standardized instruments and validated scales. In phase two, three online focus groups were conducted with the nursing team to present the results observed in phase one and explore their perceptions of current practices. All ethical principles were assured throughout the study. Significant divergent practices were observed and identified by the nurses, especially concerning patient involvement, nurses’ adherence to the aseptic, non-touch technique, catheter stabilization and dressing, and catheter flushing and locking. Such practices may partially explain the high complication rate found (26%) and substantiate the need for future intervention in this field.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe use of peripheral intravenous catheters is widespread in adult oncology patients, who receive different courses of intravenous treatment over a number of years [1]
A mix-method study was conducted in two phases: (i) observational prospective study in the selected study setting; (ii) focus groups rounds with the ward nurses
100 patients were enrolled in the study (Table 1), 83% of whom required a peripheral intravenous catheter due to an impending surgery, while 12% had a previous non-functioning catheter
Summary
The use of peripheral intravenous catheters is widespread in adult oncology patients, who receive different courses of intravenous treatment over a number of years [1]. Complications related to PIVC, such as phlebitis, infiltration, and overall depletion of the peripheral venous network, increase significantly in oncology patients, with incidence rates varying between 34.9% and 50% [2,4,5,6]. This represents a significant challenge for nurses during the insertion, maintenance, and surveillance of peripheral intravenous catheters throughout most international setiations
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