Improving practice for IV cannulation

A recent study, undertaken at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, has shown how higher levels of compliance with best practice are achieved by the introduction of sterile packs of consumable items for IV cannula insertion.

Used primarily for the delivery of intravenous therapy, including drugs, fluids and blood products, IV cannulae are required by a high number of hospital patients. Health Board data shows that in 2010, 35% of patients in Wales had peripheral cannulae in place. 

Problems associated with IV devices include thrombophlebitis, chemical phlebitis, extravasation, localised infection, bacteraemia and septicaemia. In 2008, it was estimated that 7% of healthcare-acquired infections concern the primary blood stream (ETM Smyth et al, Journal of Hospital Infection, 2008), with IV devices the most common area of concern. Despite being highlighted over a number of years, including in recommendations made in the Epic 3 guidelines (2014), the safe and effective management of IV cannula insertion remains an issue for some NHS hospitals with cannulation procedures varying considerably across the UK.