Prevalence of difficult venous access and associated risk factors in highly complex hospitalised patients.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of difficult venous access in complex patients with multimorbidity and to identify associated risk factors.


BACKGROUND
In highly complex patients, factors like ageing, the need for frequent use of irritant medication and multiple venous catheterisations to complete treatment could contribute to exhaustion of venous access.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted.


METHODS
'Highly complex' patients (n = 135) were recruited from March 2013-November 2013. The main study variable was the prevalence of difficult venous access, assessed using one of the following criteria: (1) a history of difficulties obtaining venous access based on more than two attempts to insert an intravenous line and (2) no visible or palpable veins. Other factors potentially associated with the risk of difficult access were also measured (age, gender and chronic illnesses). Univariate analysis was performed for each potential risk factor. Factors with p < 0·2 were then included in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios were also calculated.


RESULTS
The prevalence of difficult venous access was 59·3%. The univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, a history of vascular access complications and osteoarticular disease were significantly associated with difficult venous access. The multivariable logistic regression showed that only gender was an independent risk factor and the odds ratios was 2·85.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of difficult venous access is high in this population. Gender (female) is the only independent risk factor associated with this. Previous history of several attempts at catheter insertion is an important criterion in the assessment of difficult venous access.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of difficult venous access in complex patients is 59·3%. Significant risk factors include being female and a history of complications related to vascular access.
Intravenous Therapy Team, Bioaraba Research Institute, OSI Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Victoria
V
Armenteros-Yeguas
OSI Donostialdea-Donostia Hospital, Donostia, Spain.
Lucía
L
Gárate-Echenique
Intravenous Therapy Team, Bioaraba Research Institute, OSI Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Maria Aranzazu
MA
Tomás-López
Bioaraba Research Institute, OSI Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Estíbaliz
E
Cristóbal-Domínguez
Department of Hematology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Morumbi, São Paulo, Brasil.
Breno
B
Moreno-de Gusmão
Bioaraba Research Institute, OSI Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Erika
E
Miranda-Serrano
Bioaraba Research Institute, OSI Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Maria Inmaculada
MI
Moraza-Dulanto
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D062905:Central Venous Catheters; D057189:Checklist; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
comorbidity; fluid therapy; inpatients; peripheral catheterisation; vascular access devices