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Extending Short Peripheral Catheter Dwell Time: A Best Practice Discussion
Brenda Ansel1, Michelle Boyce, Jennifer L Embree
1Franciscan St. Francis Health, Indianapolis, Indiana (Ms Ansel and Ms Boyce) and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana (Dr Embree). Brenda Ansel, MSN, RN-BC, ACNS-BC, CEN, CHTP, is a clinical nurse specialist at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis, Indiana. Michelle Boyce, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CEN, is a clinical educator in the emergency department of Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jennifer L. Embree, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CCNS, is a clinical assistant professor at the School of Nursing at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, Indiana, the coordinator of the MSN Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Program, and a clinical nurse specialist.
Short peripheral catheters (SPCs) do not need routine removal. Leaving SPCs in place until clinically indicated reduces infection risks, complications, and healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Healthcare Economics
Background:
- Short peripheral catheters (SPCs) are associated with complications impacting patient outcomes and healthcare costs.
- Catheter dwell time is a critical factor in the incidence of phlebitis and bacteremia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between the dwell time of short peripheral catheters (SPCs) and the occurrence of phlebitis and potential bacteremia.
- To evaluate the clinical evidence supporting the practice of leaving SPCs in situ until a clinical indication for removal arises.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating SPC dwell time and associated complications.
- Analysis of existing research on phlebitis and bacteremia rates in relation to catheter duration.
Main Results:
- The majority of studies indicate that SPCs can remain in place until a clinical reason necessitates their removal.
- Evidence suggests that routine, non-indicated removal of SPCs does not improve outcomes and may increase risks.
Conclusions:
- Removing unnecessary intravenous catheters and avoiding routine restarts can prevent catheter-related infections and other vascular complications.
- Optimizing SPC dwell time based on clinical need, rather than a fixed schedule, can reduce complications and associated healthcare costs.