Abstract
Background: Executive Summary
Peripheral intravenous cannulation is a common invasive procedure done in hospitals. Although a minor invasive procedure, it has the potential to introduce infection into the local tissue at site of cannulation or directly into the blood stream.
Objectives: The aim of this project was to implement international best evidence in the insertion and management of peripheral intravenous cannula of adult patients in the medical wards at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC).
Methods: A prospective audit based on best-practice evidence was used to determine the existing practices of Registered Nurses in the insertion and management of peripheral intravenous cannula in the adult medical wards at UKMMC. A total of 66 inpatients with peripheral intravenous cannula inserted for the first time were surveyed. Following the baseline audit issues were identified by the project team and interventions in the form of education, and creating awareness of existing local and international evidence-based guidelines were undertaken.
Results: There was improvement following the short training workshop and discussion of the national evidence-based guidelines. Compliance of 85% and more was achieved in seven criteria. However, key criteria critical to reducing infection still require improvement.
Conclusions: The findings show that education in the insertion and management of the peripheral intravenous cannula improves patient care. Further investment in training and certification of nurses to undertake cannulation may result in further improvements.