Paramedic insertion of peripheral intravenous catheters, unused catheter rates, and influencing factors: A retrospective review

Eleanor Golling; Nigel Barr; Thea van de Mortel; Peta-Anne Zimmerman

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2023.05.007

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Paramedic insertion of peripheral intravenous catheters, unused catheter rates, and influencing factors: A retrospective review

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Paramedic insertion of peripheral intravenous catheters, unused catheter rates, and influencing factors: A retrospective review

Eleanor Golling, Nigel Barr, Thea van de Mortel and Peta-Anne Zimmerman

American Journal of Infection Control, Vol.51(12), pp.1411-1416

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2023.05.007

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Abstract

ambulance

emergency medical technicians

peripheral intravenous catheter

paramedic

vascular access device

Background: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) are associated with adverse events such as bloodstream infections, thus clinically appropriate practice is important. However, there is limited research on PIVC use in ambulance settings. This study investigated the incidence of paramedic-inserted PIVCs, unused PIVCs, and factors that influenced practice. Methods: Electronic patient care records for Western Australian ambulance service patients attended between 1 January and 31 December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient, environmental, and paramedic characteristics were explored. Binominal logistical regression models were used to identify factors associated with PIVC insertion and unused PIVCs. Results: A total of 187,585 records were included; 20.3% had a PIVC inserted and 44% remained unused. Factors associated with PIVC insertion were gender, age, problem urgency, chief complaint, and operational region. Age, chief complaint, and paramedic years of experience were associated with unused PIVCs. Discussion: This study identified multiple modifiable factors for unnecessary insertion of PIVCs that may be addressed through better education and mentoring of paramedics supported by clearer clinical guidelines. Conclusions: This is the first Australian state-wide study to report unused paramedic-inserted PIVC rates. As 44% remained unused, clinical indications guidelines and intervention studies to reduce PIVC insertion are warranted.

Details

Title: Paramedic insertion of peripheral intravenous catheters, unused catheter rates, and influencing factors: A retrospective review
Authors: Eleanor Golling (Corresponding Author) - ST John WA (Perth, Western Australia)
Nigel Barr (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Paramedicine
Thea van de Mortel (Author) - Griffith University
Peta-Anne Zimmerman (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: American Journal of Infection Control, Vol.51(12), pp.1411-1416
Publisher: Mosby, Inc.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.05.007
ISSN: 1527-3296
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Paramedicine
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99725797902621
Output Type: Journal article

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