Factors affecting difficult peripheral intravenous cannulation in adults: a prospective observational study

Aims and Objectives This study aimed to identify risk factors for difficult intravenous cannulation in relation to characteristics of patients, healthcare providers and devices in adult patients accessing a radiology service. Background Early recognition of patients at risk for difficult peripheral intravenous catheterisation is important to adopt strategies able to increase the likelihood of success in intravenous cannulation, as well as to critically evaluate the use of alternative administration routes or venous devices. Design A prospective observational study was conducted in the radiology service of an Italian university hospital from January to August 2013. Methods Thirteen nurses observed 763 patients during intravenous insertion (53% were female, the mean age was 63 years and 65% had a diagnosis of cancer). For each patient, nurses collected data about potential predictors of difficult intravenous cannulation, which was defined as a procedure lasting more than one minute. Data included characteristics of patient, cannula required, venepuncture performed and operator(s) involved. Logistic regression was performed as univariate and multivariate analysis. Results The intravenous insertion time ranged from 45 seconds to 125 minutes. Overall, variables identified as significant independent predictors were chemotherapy received via peripheral cannula (OR = 1·42), veins with many valves (OR = 3·67), fragility (OR = 3·29), visibility (OR = 0·87) and palpability (OR = 0·79) as perceived by nurses. Conclusions Although many risk factors were identified, the overall success rate was very high, suggesting that nurses’ attention during cannulation protected at‐risk patients from multiple attempts. Multicentre studies should further investigate risk factors across different radiology services and clinical settings. Relevance to clinical practice These results can help nurses to recognise risk factors for difficult intravenous access and pay appropriate attention when attempting a venepuncture to preserve patients’ peripheral veins.