Abstract
Introduction: Peripheral venous catheter-related phlebitis is a common complication in healthcare facilities, causing pain, disrupting treatment, and potentially leading to severe complications.
Objective: This study investigates the incidence and risk factors associated with peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis.
Method: A prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire and the Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) Scale to assess the degree of phlebitis. The study included 347 inpatients treated in the Emergency and Intensive Care Unit, Neurology Center, at Bach Mai Hospital. Data were collected from medical records and clinical observation.
Results: Among the studied patients, the incidence of phlebitis was 17.6%, and 4.3% of catheter insertion sites exhibited signs of inflammation. Grade 1 and 2 were the most common phlebitis (43.1% and 54.2%), with a small number of grade 3 cases (2.8%) and no cases of grade 4 or 5.
Factors such as catheter insertion sites in the forearm, elbow, or ankle; underlying conditions like hypertension, cerebral hemorrhage, pneumonia; paralysis; continuous fluid infusion; and certain intravenous medications were identified as being associated with an increased risk of phlebitis.
Conclusion: Phlebitis at the PVC site is a significant concern during treatment in ICU and Neurology centers. Proper catheter site selection and effective management of underlying conditions can help reduce the risk of phlebitis. These findings may assist in developing clinical guidelines to improve patient care quality.