Quality Improvement Interventions for Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Nursing Practices

Abstract

Background: The use of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) is a crucial nursing practice for ensuring patient safety. Purpose: This systematic review assessed quality improvement (QI) articles focused on nursing insertion and management practices related to PIVCs. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed. The Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS) was used to appraise the quality of QI studies by 2 independent reviewers. Results: A total of 27 studies were included. More than half of the studies did not meet the sustainability and spread QI-MQCS criteria. QI interventions focused on ultrasound-guided PIVC placement, PIVC dressing products or other catheter devices, and bundles for PIVC practices. The improvements in PIVC-related patient outcomes and nurses’ capabilities were reported. Conclusion: Further research is needed to identify detailed QI protocols for ensuring the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of interventions and to facilitate the application of QI in diverse types of hospitals.