Title: Improving success rates and reducing complications in intravenous cannulation: Knowledge and practice on peripheral intravenous catheterisation among nurses of Armed Forces Hospital–King Abdul-Aziz in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Abstract:
Peripheral Intravenous Catheterisation (PIVC) is a critical nursing procedure essential for safe and effective medication, fluid, and blood product administration. Errors in technique can lead to serious complications, including infiltration, infection, and extravasation, impacting patient outcomes. Therefore, strengthening nurses’ knowledge and clinical skills is vital for enhancing safety, reducing risks, and improving the quality of care. A descriptive quantitative study was conducted at the Armed Forces Hospital in Dhahran (AFHDH), Saudi Arabia, to assess nurses’ knowledge and practices related to PIVC. From a population of 290 nurses, a sample of 195 was selected using a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Version 29. Results indicated that most participants were female (95.4%), aged 25–35 (39.3%), and Filipino (60.2%), with 81.6% holding a bachelor’s degree and 64.8% having over 10 years of experience. While foundational knowledge and 100% compliance with essential IV practices were demonstrated, gaps remained in advanced skills, such as catheter rotation and early complication detection. Knowledge correlated significantly with clinical experience (p = .001) and gender (p = .049), while variations in documentation practices (p = .013) emphasised the need for culturally tailored training. The study concludes that targeted education, standardised protocols, and continuous competency assessments are essential for bridging skill gaps, improving practice, and enhancing patient safety. Implementing evidence-based training, regular performance evaluations, and integrating patient feedback will further strengthen clinical practice, promote safety, and improve outcomes in intravenous care.
