Incidence and risk factors of phlebitis among adult patients with peripheral intravenous catheters

Abstract

The insertion of a Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (PIVC) is a common invasive procedure performed in hospitals worldwide. Nevertheless, more than half of hospitalised patients screened with a PIVC were associated with various complications, especially phlebitis. Various risk factors contribute to the development of phlebitis and action must be taken to reduce its incidence. Thus, this study aims to identify the incidence rate of phlebitis, and its associated risk factors, among adult patients with PIVC admitted to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA). An observational study was conducted and participants who fulfilled the criteria were purposively recruited. A set of questionnaires comprising of few parts, on socio-demographic information, an assessment form consisting of a Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) score, and a checklist regarding PIVC information were used for data collection. The data were analysed descriptively to obtain information regarding the incidence of phlebitis. The incidence of phlebitis in HTAA was 36.1%. The predicting factors that contributed to a high incidence of phlebitis were age (40 years and above) and administration of intravenous medication (antibiotic and non-antibiotic drugs). The duration of more than 96 hours for a PIVC in situ reduced the risk of phlebitis. As a conclusion, the incidence of phlebitis in this study was considered higher than the recommended rates by the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) (2011), which should be 5% or below. These findings also demonstrated that patients’ characteristics contribute towards the development of phlebitis, as well as catheters and intravenous therapy.