A new reliable tool (PVC.

To evaluate the extensive use of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs), including catheter-related complications, a reliable tool for PVC assessment is needed. The aim of this study was to develop such a tool to evaluate PVCs in relation to management, documentation and signs and symptoms of thrombophlebitis (TH), as well as to determine its inter-rater and test-retest reliability. The tool development included confirmation of content and face validity. Two groups of registered nurses used the new tool (PVC ) to assess PVC management and signs of TH independently. Group A ( n = 3) assessed 26 items in 67 PVCs bedside (inter-rater reliability). Group B ( n = 3) assessed photographs (67 PVCs, 21 items) of the same PVCs as those in Group A with a 4-week interval (test-retest reliability). Proportion of agreement P(A) and Cohen's kappa were calculated to evaluate inter-rater and test-retest reliability. Among nurses assessing PVCs at bedside, the P(A) was good to excellent (0.80-1) in 96% of the items in PVC . In 80% of the items kappa was substantial to almost perfect (0.61-1). TH sign erythema fell into the fair range (kappa = 0.40). In test-retest reliability analysis the P(A) was within the good and excellent range (0.80-1.0) and kappa varied from moderate to almost perfect (0.41-1.0) in 95% of the items. One item 'outer dressing is clean' was in fair range (0.21-0.40). The PVC instrument shows satisfactory inter-rater and test-retest reliability. Reliability tests on reviewing documentation remain to be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]