Clinician Acceptability of a Peripheral Intravenous Passive Safety Catheter with Blood Control: Practical Use Article

Abstract

Highlights Abstract Aim: Acceptability, usability, and overall ease of use of a safety engineered peripherally inserted intravenous catheter with blood control septum (PIVCBC) were evaluated among clinicians who frequently use peripherally inserted intravenous catheters (PIVCs). This study was conducted in healthy subjects at a Phase 1 facility. Methods: Participating clinicians were ≥18 years of age, employed in a clinical setting, and performed ≥3 PIVC insertions per week. Each clinician completed 6 PIVCBC procedures on 2 to 4 healthy human subjects. Multiple trained observers documented how many attempts it took for the clinician to get a successful stick and what vein was selected for the procedure. Clinicians responded to yes/no questions and to Likert scale statements, describing their experiences with the PIVCBC after the procedures. Video recordings were used to observe procedures. Questionnaire data was summarized by frequency and percent of responses; analyses were conducted using binomial statistics. Results: Clinician agreement ranged from 83% to 97% for: able to observe primary and secondary flashbacks, able to use their regular PIVC insertion technique, found the catheter easy to insert, able to easily remove the needle from the catheter hub, believed the catheter would protect them from blood exposure during insertion, and able to flush the catheter. Overall, 96.7% of the clinicians found the PIVCBC to be acceptable. Conclusions: Overall, the PIVCBC was acceptable, easy to use, and allowed clinicians to maintain their usual PIVC insertion technique while they felt protected from blood exposure during insertion of the catheter.