Reducing pressure injuries in children caused by peripheral intravenous cannulae

Abstract

Medical devices such as peripheral intravenous cannulae (PIVC) are commonly used in the care of children across all hospital settings. However, the association between PIVC and the development of pressure injuries in this population became a concern on one Australian paediatric ward. A quality improvement project was conducted to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries in children caused by PIVCs. A tubular bandage and microfoam surgical tape were introduced to replace crepe bandage PIVC securement. At the same time, education was provided to alert nurses to medical device-related pressure injuries and the PIVC securement changes. The introduction of the tubular bandage and staff education improved skin inspections of PIVCs and decreased the incidence of pressure injuries from these devices.