[Randomized experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Flebitis Zero project in Navarre]

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Nursing Research
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Phlebitis is a common complication associated with peripheral venous catheters.
• Peripheral venous catheter-related complications impact patient outcomes and healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Flebitis Zero project in reducing phlebitis incidence.
• To identify factors associated with phlebitis occurrence in patients with peripheral venous catheters.

Main Methods:

• A randomized pre-post intervention study was conducted from 2015 to 2019.
• The Flebitis Zero project involved professional training and implementation of specific measures.
• A control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG) were compared.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a lower frequency of overall complications (37.1% vs. 49.0%) and phlebitis (11.8% vs. 13.5%).
• Accidental peripheral venous catheter (PVC) exit was significantly reduced (8.1% vs. 18.8%).
• The Flebitis Zero project implementation was associated with a reduced incidence of phlebitis (OR = 0.78).

Conclusions:

• The Flebitis Zero project successfully reduced complications related to peripheral venous catheters.
• While phlebitis rates decreased, they did not reach the recommended target levels.
• Further strategies may be needed to optimize phlebitis prevention in clinical practice.