A quasi-experimental study on conservative nursing measures for preventing phlebitis in chemotherapy patients

Phlebitis is a common and potentially serious complication among cancer patients receiving peripheral intravenous chemotherapy, leading to patient discomfort, treatment interruptions, and increased healthcare costs. Preventative nursing interventions, including normal saline flush, cold application, and magnesium sulfate application, have shown promise in reducing the incidence and severity of phlebitis. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of conservative nursing measures on the incidence of phlebitis among patients undergoing chemotherapy. A quasi-experimental post-test-only control group design was conducted at the oncology department of the Oncology Institute of Menoufia University Hospital. A convenience sample of 100 adult male and female patients on chemotherapy was randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 50), receiving the conservative nursing interventions, or the control group (n = 50), receiving standard care. Phlebitis severity was assessed using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis scale over three consecutive days post-intervention. The findings revealed a significant reduction in phlebitis severity in the intervention group compared to the control group on the second and third post-intervention days, as measured by the Visual Infusion Phlebitis scale (p < 0.01). The incidence of phlebitis was also markedly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (12% vs. 38% on day two; 10% vs. 34% on day three). Additionally, the first occurrence of phlebitis occurred significantly later in the intervention group (37.28 ± 19.98 h) than in the control group (22.52 ± 16.11 h). Catheterization patency duration was also prolonged in the intervention group compared to the control group (69.48 ± 9.58 h vs. 52.50 ± 23.20 h), indicating improved catheter site viability. In conclusion, conservative nursing measures significantly reduce the incidence and severity of phlebitis in chemotherapy patients. Incorporating these interventions into routine oncology nursing care may enhance patient safety, treatment adherence, and overall clinical outcomes.