title: Are intravenous cannulae still being misused?
abstract: We have surveyed the use of intravenous cannulae (IVC) in a district general hospital. Of 354 patients interviewed on various wards, 125 (35.3%) had IVC in situ. The wrist was the commonest location for the cannulae (41.6%). An indication for cannula insertion was present in the majority (93.7%) of patients. Cannulae were left in situ even after their use had ceased, most commonly on wards for the elderly, and on these wards complications were more common. Other wards had specific IVC documentation, which resulted in fewer complications. Cannulae should be used for specific indications and should be reviewed daily for the development of complications and the need for their continued presence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Arrowe Park Hospital, Upton, Wirral.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pritchard-Howarth
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D013038:Specialization; D013997:Time Factors