Validating the Selection of Quality Indicators for Venipuncture Procedures Performed in a Radiation Therapy...

An extensive literature review was completed to validate the selection of quality indicators for venipuncture procedures performed in a radiation therapy department.

A retrospective quantitative study (2007-2010) was conducted at the Tom Baker Cancer Center (TBCC) to review the data captured on a quality control log/statistical template for 900 venipuncture procedures performed in the radiation treatment program (RTP). The quality indicators for the venipuncture program had previously been identified to include the collection and monitoring of: the frequency/occurrence of adverse events, identifying the type of adverse events, and the number of attempts required to obtain venous access. There were no patient identifiers recorded on the department log/statistical template.

Data extracted from the TBCC RTP quality control log in 2007-2010 revealed an incidence of five extravasations events and one air embolism event. Comparison of the published adverse events and rates in the literature to the TBCC RTP venipuncture program rates show that its recorded quality control log/statistical template is targeting the appropriate categories. The literature reported, on average, rates for extravasations to be between 0.04% and 1.3% compared with the TBCC RT department's 0.56%. The occurrence of air embolism rates in the literature was reported to be between 11.7% and 23% compared with 0.11% occurrence in the TBCC RTP department. Based on the evidence reported in the literature, other quality control indicators have been incorporated into the TBCC RTP venipuncture program. The TBCC RTP expanded the venipuncture program quality control log/statistical template to collect and monitor the occurrence rates of phlebitis, hematoma/bruising, nerve, tendon and/or ligament damage, and infection.

The creation of standardized quality indicators for radiation treatment programs performing venipuncture in all health care facilities performing venipuncture would 1) be a step in maximizing patient safety and improving quality of care and 2) provide an opportunity for institutions to gauge and compare the quality of care provided using the same quality indicators for health care institutes performing venipuncture procedures. Collaboration with other facilities to identify, monitor, and report the data collected from standardized quality indicators would result in an increase of knowledge concerning the occurrence of rates of adverse events during and after venipuncture procedures performed in a radiation therapy department. Such efforts can only lead to increased quality of care provided across the health care system.