Abstract

Background: Peripheral venous vascular catheters (PVC) are devices that are not free of complications, and CDC, Atlanta, recommendations are followed in order to prevent them. However, available information in Chile on this matter is scarce. Objective: To evaluate if management of PVC fulfill safety recommendations in adult patients in a general hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional study evaluating compliance with 4 measures: patch condition, circuit condition, justification of PVC and registration of the device on medical records. Results: We evaluated 102 PVC, and 45.1% met all the measures assessed. Deficiencies were identified in 54.9% and included shortfalls in every one of the 4 topics measured. Compliance among those with iv sets was higher in comparison with those using mechanical valve needleless connectors (2.5 vs 1.9 points in a scale from 0 to 4; p < 0.001). In addition, compliance decreased progressively along time of use (Pearson coefficient -0.4; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Deficiencies on the safety management of PVC were frequent in clinical practice and worsen with days. Needleless mechanical connectors use is associated with a lower compliance.