The impact of the difficult vascular access, fear, and anxiety level in children on the success of first-time phlebotomy

Difficult Intravascular Access in Pediatric Emergency Department: The Ultrasound-Assisted Strategy (DIAPEDUS Study)

Vein line positioning represents one of the first diagnostic and therapeutic steps in Pediatric Emergency Department (PED); however, the outcome of this maneuver is frequently not as expected, especially for difficult-to-access (DIVA) patients. The standard technique (visual-palpatory) has a low success rate; hence ultrasound (US) assistance has been suggested for DIVA patients, although controversial results have been obtained. Our study compared the success rate of an intravascular (IV) access procedure at the first attempt, with and without ultrasound assistance, in pediatric DIVA patients. Secondary objectives were the global success rate, the mean procedural time, the IV device's life span, and the complications rate. We conducted an observational, prospective, monocentric, no-profit cohort study enrolling 110 patients presenting to our ED, aged 0-21 years. All the patients were considered difficult-to-access patients according to the DIVA score (≥4) or history of previous difficult intravascular access. They were randomized into two homogeneous groups: 50 patients with the standard and 60 with the US-assisted technique. We obtained a significantly higher success rate at first attempt with the US-guided technique (90% vs 18%, p ≤ .00001). Moreover, the overall success rate was higher in the US group (95% vs 46%, p < .00001). The mean procedural time resulted significantly less in the US group (2.7 ± 2.2 min vs 10 ± 6.4 min, p < .0001), as well as the overall number of attempts to obtain a stable IV line (1.09 ± 0.34 attempts vs 2.38 ± 1.09 attempts, p < .0001). We experienced some post-procedural complications without differences in the two groups, although none were severe. Our study showed that bedside ultrasound assisting implantation of peripheral venous access in pediatric DIVA patients improves first-time success rate, overall success rate, procedural time, and patient comfort, reducing the number of attempts to obtain a stable IV line.

The effect of the closed intravenous catheter system on first insertion success, indwelling time, and complications in pediatric hematology and oncology patients: A randomized controlled study

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of two different catheter systems (closed IV catheter system: BD Nexiva™, peripheral open IV catheter: BD Insyte™ Autoguard™) on first insertion success, catheter indwelling time, and the catheter complications.

METHOD

This randomized controlled study used a single-blind and parallel trial design guided by the CONSORT checklist. The "Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (PIVC) Bundle" was applied to all patients. A total of 214 catheters of 38 patients were included in the intervention (BD Nexiva™) (n = 107 catheter) and control (open IV catheter) groups (n = 107 catheter) of the study. The indwelling time and PIVC complications were followed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients in the study group was 5.9 ± 2.2, and the mean age of the patients in the control group was 5.7 ± 1.9. The PIVC was successfully placed in 68.2% of the patients in the study group and in 65.4% of the patients in the control group at the first attempt. It was determined that the indwelling time was 4.9 ± 3.9 (max. 20.25 days) in the study group and 2.9 ± 2.8 (max. 11.25 days) days in the control group. The complication rates were found to be 86.8 for the study group and 166.9 for the control group in 1000 catheter days. In this study, no difference was found in terms of complication.

CONCLUSIONS

The PIVC indwelling time is longer in patients with the closed IV catheter system. These new technology PIVCs can be used for this special patient population.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT05769452.

Factors Affecting Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Placement During Pediatric Trauma Resuscitation

INTRODUCTION

Intravenous access is required for resuscitation of injured patients but may be delayed in children because of challenges associated with peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter placement. Early identification of factors predisposing patients to difficult PIV placement can assist in deciding strategies for timely intravenous access.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, video-based review of injured children and adolescents treated between April 2018 and May 2019. Patient demographic, physiological, injury, and resuscitation characteristics were obtained from the patient record, including age, race, weight, injury type, Injury Severity Score, initial systolic blood pressure, initial Glasgow Coma Score, intubation status, activation level, and presence of prearrival notification. Video review was used to determine the time to PIV placement, the number of attempts required, the purpose for additional access, and the reason for abandonment of PIV placement. Multivariable regressions were used to determine factors associated with successful placement.

RESULTS

During the study period, 154 consented patients underwent attempts at PIV placement in the trauma bay. Placement was successful in 139 (90.3%) patients. Older patients (OR [odds ratio]: 0.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9, 0.9) and patients who required the highest level activation response (OR: 0.0, 95% CI: 0.0, 0.3) were less likely to have an attempt at PIV placement abandoned. Children with nonblunt injuries (OR: 11.6, 95% CI: 1.3, 119.2) and pre-existing access (OR: 39.6, 95% CI: 7.0, 350.6) were more likely to have an attempt at PIV placement abandoned. Among patients with successful PIV placement, the time required for establishing PIV access was faster as age increased (-0.5 s, 95% CI: -1.1, -0.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Younger age was associated with abandonment of PIV attempts and, when successful, increased time to placement. Strategies to improve successful PIV placement and alternate routes of access should be considered early to prevent treatment delays in younger children.

The Effect of Virtual Reality and Buzzy on First Insertion Success, Procedure-Related Fear, Anxiety, and Pain in Children during Intravenous Insertion in the Pediatric Emergency Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Distraction methods such as virtual reality and cold vibration device are recommended during intravenous interventions. Few studies have focused on the impact of nonpharmacological interventions on intravenous insertion success.

METHODS

A randomized controlled study evaluated effect of virtual reality and cold vibration device application on first-attempt intravenous insertion success and procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety during intravenous insertion in children. Children aged 4 to 10 years (N = 150) undergoing peripheral intravenous catheterization insertion in the pediatric emergency department were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: virtual reality, cold vibration (Buzzy), and control group. Distraction technique of talking and asking questions of children was used in control group. Primary outcome was first-attempt intravenous insertion success; secondary outcomes were procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety. Study data were collected using Difficult Intravenous Access score, Emotional Appearance Scale for Children, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, Color Analog Scale, Children's Anxiety Meter-State, and Child Fear Scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in first-attempt intravenous insertion success rates (virtual reality = 47.2%, Buzzy® = 50%, control = 46.9%), preprocedural emotional appearance scores, and procedure-related pain and anxiety scores. There was no difference between groups for vital signs before, during, and at fifth minute of procedure.

DISCUSSION

Virtual reality and Buzzy may decrease procedure-related fear in children during intravenous insertion. This research has shown that pediatric emergency nurses can reduce pain and anxiety by talking to children, and simple distractions such as asking questions are as effective as more technological ones.

The effect of "pediatric peripheral intravenous access (PPIVA) pathway" on the success of vascular access in children

PURPOSE

Determine the affects of the developed "Pediatric Peripheral Intravenous Access (PPIVA) Pathway" on the success of the vascular access in children.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A quantitative approach was used using a quasi-experimental single-group post-test design involved pediatric patients. The patients who were first attempted for peripheral vascular access were subjected to the procedure in accordance with the "PPIVA Pathway". The data was collected via a form on which we recorded down the patients' characteristics alongside their procedural data, as well as the Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) Score. For statistical analysis, the R vers. 2.15.3 program was utilized.

RESULTS

The patients who applied to the pediatric observation clinic had a mean age of 8.14 ± 5.01 years. The DIVA total mean score of the patients was 1.73 ± 1.79. 89.1% (n = 163) of pediatric peripheral intravenous procedures were successfully completed on the first access. The logistic regression analysis model was found to be statistically significant to identify the factors that affect pediatric peripheral intravenous success on the first attempt (χ2 = 24.701; p < 0.001). A one-point increase in the DIVA score was found to reduce the likelihood of success on the first attempt by 56.1% [OR (95% CI) = 0.439 (0.280, 0.686), p < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Using an algorithm to perform a peripheral intravenous intervention in children increases the likelihood of success on the first attempt.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Using PPIVA Pathway shall improve the provision of atraumatic care for children, as the success rate of pediatric peripheral intravenous access on the first attempt is high.

Effect of Fist Clenching on Vein Visibility and Palpability: An Observational Descriptive Study

No information exists on the minimum number of times that fist clenching should be performed to increase vein visibility and palpability. In this study, the researchers aimed to determine the average number and duration of fist clenching to increase vein visibility and palpability before peripheral intravenous catheter insertion. This observational study included 207 healthy individuals. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were asked to perform fist clenching. The number and duration of fist clenches performed to increase dorsal metacarpal vein and cephalic vein grade were determined. The participants carried out fist clenching 7.57 ± 4.26 times for the first increase and 22.16 ± 7.93 times for the second increase in dorsal metacarpal vein grade. Fist clenching was carried out 10.05 ± 7.30 times for the first increase and 21.30 ± 7.86 times for the second increase in cephalic vein visibility. A statistically significant, weak, but positive relationship was observed between the duration of fist clenching and the change in dorsal metacarpal vein grade and anxiety level ( r = 0.194, P < .005). However, the relationship was negative between room temperature and the duration of fist clenching in dorsal metacarpal vein grade ( r = -0.207, P = .003). This inexpensive and simple technique should be performed in specified numbers before catheter insertion.

Ultrasound for Pediatric Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Establishing peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) access in infants and children is a common procedure but can be technically difficult. The primary objective was to determine the effect ultrasound had on first attempt PIVC insertion success rates in the pediatric population. Secondary objectives included overall success rates and subgroups analyses.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles using Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Randomized trials evaluating ultrasound-guided PIVC insertion against the landmark approach in pediatric patients who reported at least 1 outcome of success rate (first attempt or overall) were included. Methodological quality of the literature was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was performed.

RESULTS

Nine studies with 1350 patients, from a total of 1033 studies, were included for analysis. Ultrasound showed a statistically significant improvement in PIVC insertion success on first attempt in 5 of 8 studies, with an overall success rate of 78% in the ultrasound group and 66% in the control group. The secondary outcome of overall success was improved by ultrasound in studies that allowed ≥3 attempts (pooled OR 3.57, 95% CI 2.05 to 6.21, P < .001, I2 = 0.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review suggested that ultrasound improves pediatric PIVC first pass and overall success rates. Subgroup analysis showed improvement in PIVC success rates for patients with difficult intravenous access and a single operator, dynamic, short-axis ultrasound technique.

Positioning of Vascular Access in Pediatric Patients: An Observational Study Focusing on Adherence to Current Guidelines

Venous access devices (VADs) play an important role in different clinical contexts. In pediatric subjects, VAD placement is more complicated than in adults due to children’s poor cooperativity and reduced vascular access. Adherence to guidelines for the placement of VADs could prevent the occurrence of complications, but data in the literature are general and not exhaustive, especially with regard to the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to assess adherence to guidelines for the placement of VADs in a pediatric setting. A retrospective observational study was conducted in the general ward of a pediatric hospital in the northern region of Italy. Data related to consecutive admissions in the period from 1 January to 31 December 2019 were collected according to the availability of clinical documentation. A cohort of 251 subjects was considered, yielding a total of 367 VADs. Device permanence in situ and the effective administration of intravenous therapy were associated with an increased risk of complications, while adherence to guidelines was an important protective factor. Adherence to guidelines for the placement of VADs is an independent and positive predictive factor for the prevention of complications due to the presence of a vascular device.

Effect of topical application of black pepper essential oil on peripheral intravenous catheter insertion: A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

The literature describes many techniques to increase vein visibility and palpability that facilitate peripheral intravenous catheter insertion. However, there is only one study examining the effect of topical essential black pepper oil on veins. We aimed to determine the effects of topical application of black pepper essential oil on peripheral intravenous catheter insertion success.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was carried out on 60 patients randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=30) or the control group (n=30) reporting to the endoscopy unit of the clinic between May 2019 and October 2019. The study results were evaluated using an information form, a catheter insertion form, and a visual analog scale (VAS). In the experimental group, black pepper essential oil was used to increase vein degree before the procedure, while in the control group, no extra interventions were applied. The time taken in determining an appropriate vein, time taken for successful catheter insertion, and the patient's and nurse's satisfaction after the process were recorded.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in vein degree were detected after the experimental group's oil application (p₁<0.001). The period of appropriate vein selection and successful catheter insertion showed a statistically significant decrease in the experimental group (p<0.05). The satisfaction levels of patients and nurses in the control group were significantly lower than those of the patients from the experimental group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Topical black pepper oil application can increase the vein degree and the success of the procedure.

Evaluation of the difficulty of peripheral venous cannulation during anesthesia induction in children: Is DIVA score sufficient?

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of the present study was to determine the rate and the independent predictors of the difficult peripheral intravascular access (PIVA) in the operating room (OR). The secondary objective was to validate the ability of the difficult intravenous access (DIVA) scoring system in the detection of difficult PIVA in the operating room.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, patients between 0 and 18 years old who were operated in the pediatric hospital were evaluated. Peripheral intravenous cannulation performed during inhalation induction in 1008 patients were recorded. The following data were collected: demographic characteristics, the presence of a chronic disease, the DIVA score, operating room temperature, the area of PIVA application, the duration of PIVA and the number of PIVA attempts. The independent determinants of the difficult PIVA were determined with multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1008 patients (82% boys) with a median age of 4 (range 0.04-17 years) were included in the study. The median number of PIVA attempts was 1 whereas the median duration for successful PIVA was 15 s (range 4-2100). PIVA was successful at the first attempt in 75.3% of patients. Among patients who required more than two PIVA attempts, the most common adjunctive method was to seek help from another operator (80.8%). In the multivariable logistic regression model, only the presence of chronic disease, being underweight, and DIVA score ⩾4 (OR 6.355, CI 4.57-9.486) remained to be the significant determinants of difficult PIVA.

CONCLUSION

The success rate of anesthesiologist-performed PIVA at the first attempt in the OR was 75.3%. Having a chronic disease, a DIVA score ⩾4 and being underweight appeared as the independent predictors for difficult PIVA.

Using a Respectful Approach to Child-centred Healthcare (ReACH) in a paediatric clinical trial: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND

There is a growing momentum in paediatric ethics to develop respectful research and healthcare protocols. We developed, tested and refined our 'Respectful Approach to Child-centred Healthcare' (ReACH), to underpin respectful participant interactions in a clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a ReACH-based approach is acceptable to children and parents, and effective in obtaining compliance with common healthcare assessments in a clinical trial of healthy 4-6-year-old children.

METHODS

ReACH-based child assessments were evaluated at two baseline clinics and one post-intervention, using mixed methods. Children (n = 49; 46.9% female; mean age = 5.24±0.88 years at baseline) and their parents provided independent evaluation, via customised 5-point Likert scales and qualitative feedback. A dedicated child researcher evaluated adherence to the study ReACH principles.

RESULTS

Children achieved compliance rates of 95% for body composition (BodPod) assessments; 89% for blood pressure measurements, and 92% (baseline) and 87% (post-intervention) for blood draws. Adherence to ReACH principles during clinic visits was positively associated with child compliance, significantly for baseline BodPod (p = 0.002) and blood test (p = 0.009) clinics. Satisfaction with BodPod protocols was positively associated with compliance, for children at baseline (p = 0.029) and for parents post-intervention (p <0.001). Parents rated the study itself very highly, with 91.7% satisfied at baseline and 100% post-intervention. Qualitative feedback reflected an enjoyable study experience for both parents and children.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to our emerging ReACH approach was associated with high child compliance rates for common healthcare assessments, although no causality can be inferred at this preliminary stage of development. Participants expressed satisfaction with all aspects of the study. Our use of child-centred methods throughout a research intervention appears feasible and acceptable to children and their parents.

Positive distraction for children during burn wound care in Australia - An evaluation of the 'Captains on Call' pilot

INTRODUCTION

Burn wound care procedures can cause severe pain to the child, and distress for both the child and caregivers. We evaluated a new Starlight Children's Foundation program, 'Captains on Call', which aims to provide positive distraction during burn wound care procedures to reduce the child's anxiety and pain. This paper presents a preliminary evaluation, using a qualitative design, of Captains on Call at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Australia.

METHODS

We conducted interviews with caregivers (n = 18), patients (n = 6), nurses (n = 5) and Captain Starlights (n = 3). Interviews focused on program impact and recommendations for how to improve the program.

RESULTS

We identified seven themes: (1) positive distraction from pain and boredom, (2) benefit of additional support, (3) creating positive memories of the hospital, (4) catering for unique needs of each patient and family, (5) general appreciation, (6) importance of regular visits, and (7) a desire to expand the program. All caregivers, nurses and patients reported that they were likely to recommend the program to others.

CONCLUSION

This study provides early evidence to support the benefit of the Captains on Call program to families and health professionals, as well as the feasibility in providing this integrated care.

Factors associated with difficult intravenous access in the pediatric emergency department

Background:

Successful intravenous catheter placement plays a vital role in the pediatric emergency department. We assessed pediatric emergency department–related factors associated with difficult intravenous catheter placement.

Method:

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients younger than 18 years who had an intravenous catheter placement attempt during their pediatric emergency department stay. Difficult intravenous access was defined as intravenous catheter placement requiring more than one attempt. The demographic-, clinical- and procedure-related factors were collected, and a logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors associated with difficult intravenous access.

Result:

In total, 925 patients were enrolled, and 77 (8.32%) cases had difficult intravenous access. The median age of the patients was 3.0 (interquartile range = 1–9) years, and 496 (53.6%) patients were male. After adjustment, we found that age (odds ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval = (0.85–0.98), p = 0.01); a history of prematurity (odds ratio = 2.31, 95% confidence interval (1.08–4.98), p = 0.03); the intravenous catheter insertion site (foot versus hand odds ratio = 5.65, 95% confidence interval = (2.97–10.75); p < 0.001); and the experience of the provider (<6 months versus ⩾12 months odds ratio = 4.59, 95% confidence interval = (1.92–11.01), p = 0.01) were associated with difficult intravenous access. However, the acuity of disease, crowdedness at the pediatric emergency department, sex, vein visibility, vein palpability, intravenous catheter size, patients’ experience with intravenous access, and time of day were not significantly correlated with difficult intravenous access.

Conclusion:

The success rate of intravenous catheter placement at the pediatric emergency department could be improved by experienced providers. The acuity of disease and crowdedness at the pediatric emergency department were not significantly associated factors.