EFFECT OF PERIPHERAL INTRAVENOUS CATHETER CARE BUNDLE INSTRUCTIONS ON PHLEBITIS, INFILTRATION, AND CATHETER DWELL TIME AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY

Abstract Background Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are widely used in clinical settings but are often associated with complications such as phlebitis, infiltration, and infection. The implementation of a peripheral intravenous catheter care bundle has been shown to reduce these preventable complications. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of peripheral intravenous catheter care bundle instructions on phlebitis, infiltration, and catheter dwell time among patients undergoing chemotherapy. Design: A quasi-experimental research design (pre/post-test control group design) was used to achieve the aim of the study. Research Hypotheses:H1: Patients who receive the PIVC care bundle will have significantly lower phlebitis grades compared to those who receive routine care. H2: Patients who receive the PIVC care bundle will have significantly lower infiltration grades compared to those who receive routine care. H3: Patients who receive the PIVC care bundle will have significantly higher mean catheter dwell time compared to those who receive routine care. Sample: A convenient sample of 60 patients was recruited over a 6-month period. Tools: Four tools were used to collect data: (1) Personal and Medical Data Form, (2) Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Assessment Data, (3) Chemotherapy-Induced Phlebitis Severity Scale, and (4) Infusion Nurse Society Infiltration Scale. Results: Despite the occurrence of phlebitis in both study and control groups, there was a highly significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between the study and control groups in terms of infiltration grade, as well as catheter dwell time, with the study group (which received the PIVC care bundle instructions) showing better outcomes than the control group (which received routine care). Conclusion: Peripheral intravenous catheter care bundle instructions were effective in reducing phlebitis and infiltration grades, as well as improving catheter dwell time, in the study group compared with the control group. Recommendations: Replication of the study on a larger probability sample from different geographical areas in Egypt is recommended to enhance the generalizability of findings. Further research should also be conducted to implement innovative, up-to-date nursing measures aimed at preventing PIVC-related complications.