Paper
Saturday, 22 July 2006
This presentation is part of : Translating Research into Practice
Intravenous (I/V) Related Phlebitis: Incidence and Associated Risk Factors
Amina K. Lakhani, BScN, Nursing Education Serv ices, Aga Khan University University Hopsital, Karachi, Pakistan, Karachi, Pakistan, Rashida J. Merchant, BScN, Nursing Education Services, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, and Khurshid Khowaja, PhD, Nursing Services, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Learning Objective #1: Discuss the incidence and severity of peripheral IV related phlebitis.
Learning Objective #2: Identify the factors that can contribute to IV phlebitis.
BACKGROUND:
The use of peripheral intravenous catheters has become routine practice in modern medicine. It is one of the most common invasive procedures in today’s health care settings. Intravenous (IV) therapy saves numerous lives; however, patients may develop complications secondary to this treatment.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors for phlebitis that potentially could be eliminated
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:
The objectives of the study were:
-          To determine the incidence and severity of peripheral IV related phlebitis in all adult patients admitted to medical / surgical units of Tertiary care Hospital.
-          To identify the factors that can contribute to IV phlebitis
METHODOLOGY:
STUDY DESIGN:
Descriptive observational design was be used to collect data on phlebitis associated with factors’ related to patients’ general condition, underlying disease and I/V cannulation practices of health team members
SAMPLE & SETTING:
The study was conducted at tertiary care University hospital. The sample was of 533 patients admitted at medical/ surgical units of tertiary care hospital. Data was be collected through a self administered tool and using Baxter scale as a measuring tool for grading the severity of phlebitis
Findings:
Data analysis revealed that 23.2% (n=124) subjects developed phlebitis at the site of peripheral cannulation. Related risk factors include cannulation by non certified staff, cannulation done as an emergency procedure, and done by novice staff.
Conclusion: The findings are similar to other studies found in literature. The risk factors associated with catheter related infections suggest that many are preventable by improved protocols for management.

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