The Impact of Peripheral Venous Catheter Procedural Kits on Improving Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalised Patients

Introduction: Peripheral Venous Catheters (PVC) are an essential component in modern healthcare and their inclusion into a Clinical Procedure Pack has been identified as an area of healthcare where an enhancement in design and implementation could improve practitioner performance and associated patient outcomes. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical impact of two interventions; i. procedural kits with an enhanced training programme ii. a specific feedback mechanism on the rates of inappropriate removal of PVCs within Antrim Area Hospital. Methods: A time series design, using retrospective and prospective data was used. The study consisted of three phases. Phase A aimed to establish existing PVC adverse event rates. Phase B included the introduction and assessment of the first intervention, a PVC procedural kit and associated training package, to specific clinical areas. Phase C involved the introduction and assessment of the second intervention, a performance feedback mechanism. Results: Analysis of data showed that the difference of mean PVC clinical adverse event rate between Phase A 12.84% (95% CI: 10.86 – 15.03) and Phase B of 9.48% (95% CI: 8.10 – 11.00) was improved (p=0.008). Similarly, the PVC clinical adverse event rate of Phase B of 9.48% (95% CI: 8.10 – 11.00) and Phase C of 5.94% (95% CI: 4.78 – 7.30), was improved (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, the study demonstrated the benefit of introducing a PVC procedural kit with an enhanced training programme and a specific feedback mechanism to significantly reduce clinical adverse events, compared to the previous standard practice.