Development and Implementation of an Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Program for Emergency Nurses.

Problem Emergency medical care often necessitates placement of peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters. When traditional methods for obtaining PIV access are not successful, ultrasound guidance is a rescue technique for peripheral vascular placement that improves the quality of patient care. Methods The aim of this training program was to develop a process where emergency nurses would be competent to perform ultrasound guided PIV to improve the quality of patient care delivered while reducing throughput time. Administrative program development required creating a nursing practice statement, procedure guideline, operational plan, and competency validation. A training program comprising both didactic and hands-on training was developed and provided by emergency medicine physicians with formal ultrasound fellowship training. Results In determining whether the training program was adequate in preparing the student to place an ultrasound-guided PIV, 92.9% of students “agreed” or “strongly agreed.” In having confidence in their ability to obtain an ultrasound guided PIV catheter placement, 35.7% of respondents “agreed” and 64.3% “strongly agreed.” In finding it difficult to be successful in achieving ultrasound guided PIV catheter placement, 71.4% of students “strongly disagreed” and 14.3% “disagreed.” All students (100%) felt it was a feasible task to train nurses to successfully place ultrasound-guided PIV catheters and 71.4% of students strongly support continuing to provide this training program and competency validation. Discussion Establishment of an effective didactic and hands-on training program resulted in emergency department nurses becoming competent in placement of ultrasound guided PIV catheters to provide optimal patient care. Image 1 Contribution to Emergency Nursing Practice • Increasing rates of success and decreasing time for placement of vascular access are critical for optimal patient management in the emergency department. • When obtaining peripheral intravenous access in the traditional manner has failed, ultrasound guidance is an effective and safe alternative available to emergency nurses. • Development of an educational program, including both didactic and hands-on training, can achieve successful competency for emergency nurses in establishing ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]