PIVC – Peripheral Intravenous Catheter
Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) are a crucial element of today’s infusion therapy and regular tool in clinical practice.
PIVCs are typically placed in a vein to deliver medications, fluids or blood to the patient through the bloodstream.
Up to 70% of hospitalized patients require a PIVC during their stay.1 As a result, the insertion of IV catheters can be considered as one of the most common invasive procedures performed in hospitals.2 Although it is a routine hospital procedure, the placement of a PIVC is a complex process that can be associated with complications for the patient and risks for both the patient and the medical staff. For instance, the insertion might cause pain or discomfort to the patient or clinical complications might occur in the process. As an example of potential safety risks to staff, blood exposure can result in time and financial implications and might affect the efficiency of the overall process.
A combination of patient access devices should meet four criteria, shown in the pyramid below, to meet user expectations and improve patient outcomes:
