Multi-centre research surveillance project to reduce infections/phlebitis associated with peripheral vascular catheters

A surveillance project was undertaken on 37 surgical wards by infection con trol nurses with the aim of reducing phlebitis/infections associated with p eripheral vascular catheters, and to identify risk factors. Data on 2934 ca theters in situ longer than 24 was collected in two separate surveillance p eriods and results were fed back after each surveillance period. Four signi ficant risk factors were identified; what the catheters were used for, the duration the catheters were in situ, the surveillance period (the first sur veillance period had a higher phlebitis rate than the second) and whether a n infusion pump was used. Logistic regression analysis showed that each of these had a significant effect after adjusting for the effects of the other three factors. (C) 2000 The Hospital Infection Society.