Solving the problem of IV dislodgement

Abstract

Most patients in hospital will have some form of intravenous (IV) catheter in situ at some time to facilitate the administration of IV therapy. Accidental dislodgement, although widespread, is often unrecognised as a contributor to IV catheter failure. Dislodgement usually contributes to the delay in the administration of treatment, time-consuming IV restarts and a potential need for more invasive procedures. Dislodgement has serious implications, with costs to both patient and healthcare costs. Historically, prevention of IV catheter dislodgement has focused on the use of the correct securement methods and technique; however, these fail in many occasions, for example, where patients are confused or during bed transfers. In the recent years, new breakaway connector systems, such as ReLink, have been designed, which allow the tubing to become disconnected when undue pressure or pull is placed on it. This is done by a safety release valve that breaks apart, sealing off both ends of the tubing in an aseptic manner, while shutting off medication flow and preserving IV catheter integrity. Awareness raising and education focusing on accidental IV catheter dislodgement and the different ways to reduce its incidence in clinical practice would improve patient safety and potentially have significant healthcare savings.