Operation STICK Improves Vascular Access Outcomes in a Specialty Team

Abstract

Background: Education and training may improve outcomes within an experienced vascular access team. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of a standardized peripheral intravenous catheter insertion educational program (Operation STICK) on vascular access outcomes. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was used. Adult inpatients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) requiring ultrasound-guided insertion by a vascular access specialty team were eligible. Data were collected before and 7 months after the educational training program. Results: A total of 54 subjects were included (24 pre- and 30 post-implementation). Significant improvements were found for mean peripheral intravenous catheter dwell time (3.62 to 14.97 days, P < .001), completion of therapy (58.3% to 96.7%, P = .001), and first-stick success rate (79.2% to 100%, P = .013). Catheter-to-vein ratio significantly decreased (P = .007). Conclusions: Standardized education/training in vascular access focusing on best practices yields favorable outcomes for DIVA patients within an established specialty team.