Aim:To determine peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) characteristics, complications and risk factors among patients in cancer units.Methods:A secondary analysis of a global, cross-sectional study (127 hospitals in 24 countries). Participants (≥18 years) admitted to cancer units were assessed once for PIVC characteristics and the presence of complications. Variables included patient demographics, device characteristics, treatment details, and device and/or site complications. PIVC characteristics were presented using qualitative descriptors; mixed-effects logistic regression models determined risk factors for PIVC complications.Results:In total, 1,807 participants (1,812 PIVCs) were included; 12% (n=215) of PIVCs presented with complications. Risk factors included: insertion by doctors; insertion in ED and ambulance/other locations; poor PIVC dressing integrity; dwell time ≥49 hours; and administration of colloids/blood products and antiemetics.Conclusions:At least one in ten PIVCs in cancer units present with complications; regular PIVC assessment and improved dressing integrity is likely to reduce risk and improve outcomes.
cancer is complex, it can cause facial disfigurement together with other problems such as difficulty with breathing, swallowing, eating, drinking, speech, pain, normal social interaction and work (Data for Head and Neck Oncology [DAHNO], 2010). Where persistent side-effects to treatment exist, this can have a negative impact on the patient’s quality of life, and for patients who subsequently develop secondary lymphoedema, this can present them with additional physical and psychological challenges.
The oncology nurse role is wide-ranging. It involves complex patient assessment, caring for the neutropaenic septic patient, community cancer prevention and detection strategies, patient education, supportive care, and symptom management. Within this specialised field, and as part of continuing professional development (CPD), the registered nurse (RN) is required to undertake practical assessments, or clinical competencies, to demonstrate competence in practice. The senior oncology nurse is required to allocate staff and workload. Anecdotally, it is difficult to determine which nurse is capable of caring for which patient(s) based on clinical competencies alone. To help understand the decision-making process, this qualitative interpretive description study sought to explore how mentors of novice RNs evaluated capability in the oncology clinical practice through semi-structured interviews. Findings were framed and evolved, resulting in five categories of: evaluation; characteristics of capability; competency versus capability; postgraduate studies and their impact; and barriers to evaluation and capability building.
