AN AUDIT OF PERIPHERAL CATHETER CARE IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL

Post-insertion care of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) in 100 patie nts on general medical and surgical wards of a teaching hospital was a udited. A variety of methods were used to attach the PVC to the patien ts' skin including 'Vecafix' dressings, bandages and adhesive tape. Si xty-eight PVC were incorrectly attached, and of these 49 (71%) were as sociated with two or more symptoms or signs of inflammation at the ins ertion site. Of those PVC that were correctly attached only five out o f 32 (16%) were associated with inflammation. There was a significant association between incorrect dressing application and inflammation (P < 0.01). Similarly, there was a direct relationship between inflammat ion and PVCs that had been in Situ for greater than 48 h (P < 0.01). T he results suggest that a significant reduction in the incidence of in flammation associated with PVC use may be achieved by correct applicat ion of dressings and replacing the catheters after 48 h in situ.