Developing a Research base for Intravenous Peripheral cannula re-sites (DRIP trial). A randomised controlled trial of hospital in-patients.
BACKGROUND
There is currently no high grade evidence on which to base decisions about the frequency of intravenous cannula re-sites.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety of changing peripheral venous cannulas when clinically indicated.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
A tertiary referral hospital in Brisbane, Australia.


METHODS
Two hundred and six hospitalised patients from surgical, medical and orthopaedic wards.


METHODS
Peripheral intravenous cannulas were re-sited only when complications occurred (intervention group) or every 3 days (control group).


METHODS
The primary endpoint was any unplanned cannula removal, the secondary outcome was cost.


RESULTS
Forty six patients had unplanned removals in the intervention group compared with 41 in the control group [relative risk 1.12, 95% confidence interval 0.81-1.55 (p=0.286)], a non-significant difference. Total duration of peripheral cannulation was similar in both groups (mean 123.3h in the intervention group and 125.9h in the control group: P=0.82) but significantly more re-sites occurred in the control group (167 in intervention group, 202 in the control group: p=0.022). Cost of cannula replacements in the intervention group was AUD$3,183.62 and in the control group AUD$3,837.56 (p=0.006).


CONCLUSIONS
Re-siting peripheral venous cannulas when clinically indicated compared with changing them routinely every 3 days does not lead to more complications and reduces costs.
Webster
Joan
J
Centre for Clinical Nursing, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia. joan_webster@health.qld.gov.au
Lloyd
Sophia
S
Hopkins
Tracey
T
Osborne
Sonya
S
Yaxley
Maria
M
D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000209:etiology; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D004868:Equipment Failure; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D017721:Hospital Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011793:Queensland; D017751:Safety Management / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data