Reducing peripheral intravenous cannula failure in neonates

Peripheral IV cannulation is one of the most frequently performed invasive procedures in the hospital setting, and an essential means of providing hydration, nutrition and medication to admitted patients, including neonates . The insertion, monitoring and maintenance of these devices, to prevent complications, are an important component of neonatal nursing care. The most common complications of PIVC use include extravasation, infiltration, occlusion, infection, and phlebitis - accounting for the failure and removal of 95% of PIVCs. Although these complications are usually minor, some neonates may experience serious, or even life-threatening sequelae, with the potential for long-term functional difficulties, significant scarring, and psychological effects. The current failure rate of PIVC in the neonatal population is estimated at around 60%, however the optimal securement method of a PIVC has not been well established. We have designed a randomised controlled trial to assess whether using a specifically designed splint and protection device may be useful to prevent PIVC failure as compared to standard splinting and securement in the neonatal population. Our hypothesis is that the specifically designed splint and protection device will significantly decrease PIVC failure as compared to standard splinting and securement in the neonatal population.