The effectiveness of a systematized nursing care intervention in the prevention and identification of phlebitis

Abstract

Introduction: The use of peripheral venous catheters (PVC) is the most common nursing procedure and carries patient risks, including developing phlebitis. A nursing care protocol for PVC was created at the institutional level to standardize nurses' practices. Objective: To analyze the incidence of phlebitis associated with PVC before (Group A) and after (Group B) implementation of the protocol; Characterize phlebitis associated with PVC; Identify risk factors that contribute to the development of phlebitis associated with PVC. Methods: An observational, quantitative, and descriptive study was carried out, with non-probabilistic samples for convenience, in which each group consisted of 50 participants. Results: After implementing the protocol, there was a reduction in the incidence rate of phlebitis from 26% to 12%, as well as a decrease in grade 3 phlebitis, with only grade 1 and 2 phlebitis being identified. It was also found that around 90% of the participants with phlebitis were undergoing antibiotic therapy, namely Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, and Flucloxacillin. Conclusion: The protocol could have benefits in reducing the incidence of phlebitis by standardizing practices based on scientific evidence, providing better quality of care, and lowering the costs associated with hospitalization.

Keywords

• phlebitis; peripheral venous catheterization; patient safety; evidence-based practice; nursing care