Use Of Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) Score To Care And Control Intravenous (IV) Infusion Related Phlebitis

ABSTRACT

Phlebitis is the inflammation of vein which is a common complication associated with the use of peripheralintravenous (IV) catheters affecting between 27% and 70% of all patients receiving IV therapy and associationwith up to 10% of S.Aureus bacteremia. Importance factors found to determine phlebitis incidence include thekind of infusion and dwell time of intravenous cannula. The use of the visual infusion phlebitis (VIP) score toolfor the assessment of the early signs of phlebitis along with prompt removal of peripheral intravenous cannulahas been very successful in reducing below the acceptable rate of 5%. However, achieving this goal depends onstrict compliance with guidelines for cannula insertion, documentation and assessment using the VIP tool.This study aimed to increase the use of VIP scoring tool in the intensive care units and wards during a 6 monthsperiod in order to maximize its utility in phlebitis prevention. Nursing audit was carried out, during whichassessment and plan of actions were introduced. The first step aimed to make the nurses aware of VIP scoringtool by the use of posters and training sessions. Second the assessment of nurses’ knowledge and skill relatedto the intravenous cannula insertion and use of VIP score tool for the early detection and prompt action relatedto the care and control of infusion related phlebitis and its documentation.