Mrs Divyamol Alackapparampil Chandrasekaharan1
1Dubbo Health Service, Dubbo, 2830, Australia
Biography:
Infection Prevention and Control Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC), with four years of experience in infection prevention and control and over eleven years of experience in various clinical nursing practices.
Abstract:
Introduction
Patient engagement is critical in improving peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) safety outcomes. This Quality improvement project aimed to increase patient and carer education on PIVC management to 70% in a medical ward in Dubbo Health Service by March 2025.
Problem identified
In the review of PIVC-related Staphylococcus Aureus Blood Stream Infections in Dubbo Health Service identified a gap in provision of patient education related to PIVC care.
Method
Pre and post survey method is used for the project. Baseline assessment surveys in Medical Ward revealed limited patient awareness of cannula care and complication reporting (20%). In response, a series of targeted interventions were implemented using a Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycle. These included the development and rollout of standardised patient education resources across Western NSW Local Health District, enhancement of staff communication practices, and the integration of patient education into routine PIVC care processes.
Result
Although the overall target was not achieved, the initiative resulted in meaningful improvements in clinical practice. 37% patients received information about how to look after cannula. Percentage of patient awareness of how to maintain a clean and safe cannula site increased to 60%. Notably, 43% of patients reported that had cannula related issues with cubital fossa site highlighting an opportunity to incorporate patient preference into clinical decision-making and education. Additional benefits included fewer unnecessary cannula insertions, earlier complication escalation, improved site assessment, and a structured PIVC resource pathway in medical Ward.
Sustainability Plans
Embedded patient education into routine PIVC care processes, reinforced staff education, standardised resources, and integration of patient information into QARS Audit questions