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New standard to improve care of 7.7 million Australians who receive IV cannulas or ‘drips’ each year
For the 7.7 million Australians who have a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) – also known as a cannula or ‘drip’ – inserted each year, their hospital experience is set to become safer.
With up to 40%
1-2 of all first-time attempts to insert a PIVC in an adult failing, many patients face the prospect of undergoing multiple painful attempts before a PIVC is successfully inserted. Once inserted, there is also a risk of complications, some of which are serious.
From today, a new clinical standard will change our approach to the use of PIVCs, by providing national guidance on best practice care and skillful use of PIVCs – and prompting health workers to consider whether a cannula is really necessary before insertion.