RecruitingACTRN12625000043437

Peripheral intravenous device selection and insertion by a vascular access specialist for hospital inpatients (The PEER Study).

PEripheral intravenous device sElection and insertion by a vasculaR access specialist for hospital inpatients: a randomised controlled trial and embedded feasibility study.

Sponsor

The Prince Charles Foundation - Common Good Grant

Enrollment

100 participants

Start Date

Jun 2, 2025

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Peripheral intravenous device selection and insertion by a vascular access expert (Short/Long PIVC; Midline Catheter; Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter)

Summary

Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are catheters that are inserted into peripheral veins to give medical treatment such as medicines, fluids, and blood transfusions. PIVCs are the most frequently used vascular access device in Australia. This is largely due to the current workforce model in which most PIVC inserters are doctors and nurses (generalist) inserting PIVCs within their existing roles. There are, however, alternate intravenous (IV) devices available which a specialist in Vascular Access has the specialised knowledge and skills available to insert. Our research project aims to find out whether the standard practice of a PIVC device being inserted by your bedside nurse or doctor affects how long the IV device functions and patient satisfaction. Hypothesis 1: The hypothesis for the feasibility of this study is that we will be able to recruit the required number of patients and they will remain within the study for the duration of data collection. The study will adhere to the processes outlined in the study protocol, and data will be collected and complete. Hypothesis 2: The hypothesis for the clinical outcome of the study is that the Vascular Access Specialist will be more successful than usual care in peripheral intravenous catheter insertion with lower incidence of failure and complications and less pain to the patient.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Almost every patient admitted to hospital at some point needs a drip — a small plastic tube (peripheral intravenous catheter, or PIVC) inserted into a vein in the arm to deliver fluids, medications, or blood products. These are usually inserted by bedside nurses or doctors as part of their regular duties. However, veins can be difficult to access, and failed attempts can be painful and delay treatment. Vascular access specialists are healthcare workers with extra training specifically in inserting these and other intravenous devices. The PEER Study is investigating whether having a vascular access specialist assess and select the most appropriate type of intravenous device — and insert it when needed — leads to better outcomes than standard practice. Key outcomes include how long the device lasts, whether complications like infection or blockage occur, and how much pain the patient experiences during insertion. You may be eligible if you are aged 18 or older, are currently admitted to hospital, and require intravenous therapy expected to last more than 24 hours. You will need to be able to provide written consent. People receiving end-of-life care, those with significant language barriers without interpreter support, those with cognitive impairment that prevents consent, or those who have already participated in this study would not be eligible.

This is a simplified summary. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Print for Your Doctor Check Your Eligibility

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

Intervention A Vascular Access Specialist [VAS] can be defined as a clinician with advanced knowledge in vascular access insertion. This includes device selection; device management in terms of treat

Intervention A Vascular Access Specialist [VAS] can be defined as a clinician with advanced knowledge in vascular access insertion. This includes device selection; device management in terms of treatment duration and medication administration guidelines, and the use of ultrasound guidance for device placement. Through evaluation of the patients medical notes/treatment plan, and direct assessment of the patient, the VAS will determine the best device choice. This assessment should take between 10-20 minutes. The VAS will assess ALL potential participants referred to the study prior to randomisation. At this time the VAS will determine the most appropriate device for the participants needs and this decision will be recorded within clinical trial data files and remain confidential. The participant will then be randomised. If randomised to intervention, device selection and insertion will be carried out by the VAS and the peripheral intravenous device (per VAS assessment; with/without ultrasound guidance) will be inserted. PIVC device insertion by the VAS will take no longer than device insertion performed as per standard care (no more than 15 minutes). Post insertion, the PIVC device care will be undertaken as per standard hospital policy. In addition to standard care, the Research Nurse will review both intervention and control participants PIVC sites daily (5 minutes duration) until 48 hours post device removal. The Research Nurse will also access clinical notes for information relating to PIVC management (i.e. ongoing treatment plan/ complications/ need for device replacement etc). This will take 5-10 minutes daily. Adherence to the intervention will be assessed under feasibility outcomes.

Locations(1)

Caboolture Hospital - Caboolture

QLD, Australia

View Full Details on ANZCTR

For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.

Visit

ACTRN12625000043437