Nursing interventions and peripheral venous catheter-related phlebitis. Systematic literature review.

Nursing care provided to patients using peripheral venous catheters (PVC) is a constant need due to the high frequency of catheter use. The aim of this systematic review was to define the scientific evidence on nursing interventions for patients with peripheral venous catheters and their impact on the prevention of phlebitis. Scientific studies published in reference databases, between April 2004 and March 2010, were selected following the PICOD model and previously defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Nineteen studies were identified and divided into three main areas: nursing interventions related to PVC placement; to patient surveillance; and to nurses' knowledge. These three areas were identified as relevant and as having an impact on the occurrence of phlebitis. Nursing interventions for patients having PVC can prevent phlebitis. However, the scientific evidence is limited, and so there is a need for further research on the impact of nurses' training on their clinical practice and interventions.