Optimizing peripheral intravenous catheter insertion: a structured ultrasound device selection and education program...

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) failures remain common, hindering patient care. Ultrasound-guided PIVC (USG-PIVC) placement offers improved first-time and overall insertion success rates, reduced complications, and enhanced patient satisfaction. Yet, in our adult intensive care unit (ICU), most USG-PIVCs were placed by physicians, a skill that nursing staff could also benefit from acquiring.

Our aim was to select the most appropriate handheld ultrasound device and develop a comprehensive USG-PIVC nursing education program to improve PIVC success rates and enhance patient care.

This quality improvement initiative's literature review guided development of an education model and evaluation of three handheld ultrasound devices. Nurses received two hours of didactic training, two hours of classroom simulation, and supervised clinical practice. Outcomes were analyzed by the lead ICU clinical educator.

Five ICU nurses performed 76 USG-PIVC placements with 70%-90% overall insertion success rates, ie within two attempts. The preferred of three ultrasound devices was selected for its highest success rate, portability, transducer probe, and screen integration lending to ease of use, quick start-up, and clinical support. Nurses were overwhelmingly positive about the education program, as evidenced by informal qualitative feedback collected at each end of session.

Our comprehensive USG-PIVC insertion program empowers nurses to improve vascular access through a structured approach, combining online learning, simulation, and supervised clinical practice, with effective ultrasound technology selection. This approach provides other organizations with insight to equip nurses and leverage ultrasound technology toward meeting the 2024 Canadian Vascular Access Association guidelines' (in press) recommendations for ultrasound guidance and product selection.