A randomized controlled study to compare first stick success with Instaflash technology: The FIRSST study

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Clinical Nursing
• Vascular Access

Background:

• Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are essential for patient care but multiple insertion attempts cause discomfort and increase costs.
• Reducing PIVC insertion attempts improves patient and nursing satisfaction and lowers healthcare expenditures.
• The study compares a novel PIVC with Instaflash needle technology against a standard device.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance efficacy of BD Venflon™ I with Instaflash needle technology.
• To compare the first stick success rate, ease of insertion, and patient satisfaction between the investigational and control devices.
• To determine if the new technology offers an improved alternative for PIVC insertion.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial comparing BD Venflon™ I with Instaflash needle technology (investigational) to BD Venflon™ without Instaflash (control) in a 1:1 ratio.
• Monitoring first stick success rate, ease of insertion, and patient satisfaction.
• Statistical analysis using R 4.0.3, Microsoft Excel, and Chi square tests.

Main Results:

• The investigational device achieved a 98.72% first attempt success rate versus 88.87% for the control device (p=0.0004).
• Ease of insertion was high for both devices (98.71% investigational vs. 99% control), indicating nursing personnel satisfaction.
• Patient satisfaction was also high for both, with 98.01% for the investigational and 99% for the control device.

Conclusions:

• BD Venflon™ I with Instaflash needle technology significantly enhances first attempt insertion success.
• The new technology demonstrates comparable ease of insertion and high patient satisfaction levels.
• This device represents a valuable advancement, improving patient outcomes and clinical efficiency in hospitals.