Optimising peripheral intravenous catheter insertion in the emergency department: systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are essential in the emergency department (ED). Randomised control trials (RCTs) have examined various techniques and technologies to optimise effective PIVC insertion, and care in the ED, but these data have not been synthesised to allow application in clinical care. AIMS: To systematically review and synthesise the findings of published RCTs on the effectiveness of techniques and technologies to improve insertion success and reduce overall PIVC failure in the ED. METHODS: Full text journal articles in English and Chinese that study PIVC insertion or outcome techniques or technologies in ED settings will be extracted from 6 electronic databases. Results will be summarised following meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: This review will identify techniques and technologies that improve PIVC insertion success and function in the ED. By analysing pooled outcomes, the researchers aim to provide recommendations to enhance PIVC insertion success, and ultimately patient outcomes. Identifying effective methods will also highlight key areas for future research.