Improving Peripheral Venous Puncture Outcomes in ICU via Vein Grading Management

BACKGROUND Peripheral venous catheterization is a common yet critical procedure in ICU settings. This study evaluated the impact of venous grading matching management (matching nurses with corresponding venipuncture skills to patients based on venous condition classification) on the effectiveness of indwelling needle puncture. MATERIAL AND METHODS Venous grading management involves classifying patients' venous conditions and matching them with nurses whose venipuncture skills are assessed through monthly evaluations using standardized Grade II venous access procedures. Utilizing a convenience sampling method, 512 ICU patients were selected and divided into a control group (July-December 2022, n=256, receiving routine care) and an intervention group (January-June 2023, n=256, receiving venous grading matching management). Nurses' skills were graded through standardized assessment. Outcomes compared between the 2 groups included venipuncture time, catheter retention duration, first-attempt success rate, and incidence of complications (such as phlebitis, fluid infiltration, and catheter blockage during the catheterization period). RESULTS The intervention group had a significantly shorter peripheral vein puncture time (Z=-3.170, P=0.002) and a higher first-attempt success rate (χ²=22.709, P<0.001) compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed in catheter retention duration or complication rates between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Implementing vein hierarchical matching management effectively reduces peripheral vein puncture time, enhances the first-attempt success rate, improves nursing efficiency, and minimizes patient discomfort.