Effects of a quick response code–based caregiver video education program on peripheral intravenous catheter maintenance–related outcomes in hospitalized children in South Korea: a single-center quasi-experimental study

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of quick response (QR) code-based video education on caregivers' knowledge and attitudes regarding peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) maintenance in hospitalized children and on PIVC-related outcomes. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study used a nonequivalent control-group design. Participants were 62 caregivers of children aged ≤72 months receiving PIVC therapy in a pediatric ward in Jeonju, South Korea (31 caregivers per group). The groups were recruited sequentially, with a 2-week interval. The control group, recruited from October 17 to 31, 2025, received standard verbal and leaflet-based education. The experimental group, recruited from November 14 to 20, 2025, received the QR code-based video program plus standard education. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed at baseline and 1 and 3 days post-insertion. PIVC dwell time, flushing and dressing-change frequencies, and complications were obtained from observational records. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the chi-square test. RESULTS: Knowledge showed a significant group-by-time interaction (p<.001). Attitudes changed significantly over time (p<.001), but the interaction and between-group difference were nonsignificant (p=.780 and p=.433, respectively). Dwell-time distributions differed significantly between groups (p=.033). The experimental group showed lower frequencies of flushing (p=.003), dressing changes (p<.001), and lower incidence of complications (16.1% vs. 45.2%; p=.013; odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.77). Conclusion: QR code-based video education improved caregivers' knowledge and was associated with favorable short-term PIVC maintenance and clinical outcomes.