Factors influencing nurses' handling and control of peripheral intravenous lines--an interview study

The purpose of the study was to describe how nurses (n = 37) planned, took care of, and documented peripheral intravenous (vein) cannulae (PIV) and what controls their way of action. Knowledge, experience, and routine were said to govern the care and handling of PIV. The nurses' intention was that a PIV should be inserted for 1-3 days, but all of them were aware of PIV being inserted considerably longer, the reasons being forgetfulness, carelessness, mistake, no one to take responsibility, bad routines and stress. Patients who had received drugs or solutions daily were given less information and furthermore the same PIV-entry was used for drugs, solutions and blood. Only one nurse documented the insertion and the removal of a PIV. The nurses' personal comments were that the area was neglected and there were great variations in the care and handling of PIV. Their task is to systematically identify the patients' needs and risk factors, and to analyse, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate the care given. Using a standardised guide could be a way to reduce the frequency of complications in the daily care of PIV.