Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
Clinically indicated replacement of peripheral vascular catheters: is it safe for patients?
Toney T Poovelikunnel1, Fionnuala Duffy2, Thressia Puthussery3
1Assistant Director and Post-Doctoral Researcher Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Beaumont Hospital, and Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Ireland.
Insights
Replacing peripheral vascular catheters only when clinically necessary, not routinely, reduces patient pain and infection risk. This approach also saves nursing time, improving overall patient care and resource use.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sciences
- Nursing Practice
- Infection Control
Background:
- Routine replacement of peripheral vascular catheters is a common practice.
- This practice may lead to unnecessary procedures, increasing risks and resource utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits of replacing peripheral vascular catheters based on clinical indication versus routine replacement.
- To highlight improvements in patient safety, comfort, and resource optimization.
Main Methods:
- Clinical indication-based management of peripheral vascular catheters.
- Utilizing decision-making tools like the visual infusion phlebitis score.
- Implementing care bundles for catheter management.
Main Results:
- Reduced frequency of catheter replacement leads to decreased patient pain and infection risk.
- Extended dwell times are possible when catheters are managed based on clinical need.
- Significant time savings for healthcare practitioners (approx. 20 minutes per avoided cannulation).
Conclusions:
- Managing peripheral vascular catheters by clinical indication enhances patient safety and comfort.
- This strategy optimizes the use of healthcare resources.
- Evidence supports a shift from routine to indication-based catheter replacement.
Abstract:
Replacing peripheral vascular catheters when clinically indicated rather than routinely has multiple benefits for patients and practitioners. Managing vascular catheters based on clinical indication provides early opportunities for intervention, or catheter removal or replacement. Where clinically indicated, peripheral vascular catheters can be used for a long time, and this is aided by decision-making tools such as the visual infusion phlebitis score and care bundles. Fewer cannulations result in less pain, better patient comfort and a lower risk of infection. For each cannulation avoided, about 20 minutes can be saved for other care activities. Replacing peripheral vascular catheters according to clinical indication can improve patient safety and optimise resource use.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management
01:28Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:24Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization