Reducing the Development of Phlebitis in Adults with Peripheral Intravenous Catheter.

Peripheral vein cannulation is a common procedure used to administer medications quickly, effectively and accurately. During hospitalisation, the insertion of peripheral intravenous catheteris a criticalaction. Phlebitis is one of the most common complications that arises after the placement of an intravenous catheter. Phlebitis causes an increased discomfort for patients, requires longer hospital stays, delay in treatment and higher healthcare costs. The quality improvement project seeks to identify predictors of peripheral phlebitis in infectious disease patients, as well as reduce the development of phlebitis. Quality improvement tools; driver diagram, process flow mapping, and fishbone diagram aided in determining the root cause of the problem with guidance from Lean Six Sigma and the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analysis, Improve, Control) framework. The data gathered revealed a significant percentage of phlebitis at the project site. In addition, staff awareness of phlebitis complications and Visual infusion phlebitis guidelines were deemed insufficient. While there are several areas for improvement and achievable, low-cost intervention centred on the staff process has been identified. These options include increasing staff awareness of phlebitis risk factors and VIP guidelines through education modalities, in conjunction with continuous phlebitis audit.