A before-and-after design was used to evaluate the impact of SPC replacement when clinically indicated” Stevens et al (2018).
Abstract:
Despite current, high-quality, level 1 evidence that supports clinically indicated short peripheral catheter (SPC) replacement, the current practice in the health care system studied was to change SPCs routinely every 96 hours. A before-and-after design was used to evaluate the impact of SPC replacement when clinically indicated. Following the practice change, there were no SPC-related infections, monthly phlebitis rates ranged from 1.9% to 3.5%, and SPC use decreased by 14.2%, resulting in estimated cost savings of $2100 and 70 hours of nursing time saved. The translation of evidence on timing of SPC replacement into practice was a success.
Reference:
Stevens, C., Milner, K.A. and Trudeau, J. (2018) Routine Versus Clinically Indicated Short Peripheral Catheter Replacement: An Evidence-based Practice Project. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 41(3), p.198–204.
doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000281