Effectiveness of Quality Improvement Measures in Improving the Short Peripheral Venous Catheter Associated Complications

Introduction: Short peripheral venous catheters (SPVCs) are widely used in pediatric care for administering fluids, medications, and blood products but are frequently associated with complications such as phlebitis, infiltration, occlusion, and bloodstream infections. These complications increase morbidity, hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Structured quality improvement (QI) strategies to minimize SPVC-related events remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted QI intervention in reducing SPVC-related adverse events in children. Methodology: A quasi-experimental cohort study was conducted at Pacific Medical College & Hospital, Udaipur, from July 2023 to June 2024. A total of 100 pediatric patients (neonates to 12 years) requiring SPVC insertion were enrolled and divided into pre-intervention (n=50) and post-intervention (n=50) groups. The intervention included staff education, implementation of evidence-based insertion and maintenance bundles, and standardized protocols. Outcomes measured were incidence and severity of phlebitis, infiltration, occlusion, and bloodstream infections, using validated scoring systems. Data were analyzed with chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression. Results: The incidence of phlebitis decreased from 76% pre-intervention to 32% post-intervention (p=0.003). Infiltration declined from 48% to 20% (p=0.008), and occlusion from 24% to 12% (p=0.002). Severity grading demonstrated fewer moderate-to-severe complications in the post-intervention group. Logistic regression showed a 75% reduction in the odds of adverse events post-intervention (OR=0.22). Bundle compliance improved to >90% after training. Conclusion: The structured QI intervention significantly reduced SPVC-related complications in pediatric patients. Education, standardization of protocols, and improved surveillance enhanced safety and outcomes. Routine adoption of QI strategies can strengthen vascular access care in children. Key words: Short peripheral venous catheter (SPVc), Quality improvement, Phlebitis