Idle peripheral intravenous cannulation: an observational cohort study of pre-hospital and emergency department practices

Abstract Background Unused ('idle') peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) are those not used within 24 hours of insertion. There is little data on cannulation practices and idle PIVC rates in emergency settings, especially the pre-hospital environment. Methods This was an observational cohort study set south-east Queensland, Australia using from a large tertiary level department (ED) local statutory ambulance service. Demographic, clinical were collected over two periods; 9 February–18 March 2017 5 January–4 February 2018. Adult patients included if they allocated Australasian triage scale (ATS) category between 2 5, had inserted setting or ED. use defined as no fluids, medications contrast administered intravenously Comparisons ED practice status undertaken descriptive statistics logistic regression. Results A total 1249 with (372 pre-hospital; 877 ED) included. Overall, 366 PIVCs (29.3%; 95% CI 26.9%–31.9%) remained at hours. In group, 147 (39.5%) pre-hospital, 74 (19.9%) idle. comparison, 292 (33.3%) placed staff more frequently antecubital fossa than paramedics (65.5% vs. 49.7%), where forearm insertion common (13.7% 7.4%). Nursing rate (35.1%) compared to doctors (29.6%) (19.9%). Having only factor significantly ( p ? .001) predicting outcome (Odds Ratio: 2.4; 1.7–3.3). Conclusion One-third idle, suggesting unnecessary risk costs. Pre-hospital differed, 2.4 times prevalent greater Reasons for these differences well understood requires targeted research.