In June of 2013, I was honored to chair a national task force for the Infusion Nurses Society’s (INS) project on Short Peripheral Catheter Safety (SPC).  Along with five other colleagues, we embarked on a task  to identify the safety and practice issues and  look at ways to promote safety in the insertion and management of short peripheral catheters for all patient populations as well as for the clinician.

Yes, we are concerned with short peripheral catheters or as many clinicians call it “PIV” insertion and maintenance. That simple and common procedure routinely performed by nurses and other clinicians often accompanied by the prevailing thought that simple and routine = complication free.  Unfortunately, many nurses/clinicians underestimate the risks involved in PIV insertion, care, and maintenance until they are faced with infusion-therapy related complications and litigation.

Back in June 2013, I posted an blog entry looking for RNs inserting peripheral IV’s to take a short survey.  I was so thrilled that many  of my blog readers and nursing colleagues have taken the survey. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. The survey results were used in the development of  the position paper. This position paper entitled “Recommendations for Improving Safety Practices with Short Peripheral Catheters” is now available on the INS website. (Click here)

On Feb. 4, 2014 on behalf of  INS, I will be presenting a live webinar “Recommendations for Improving Safety Practices With Short Peripheral Catheters” that will discuss the findings of the task force and the statement of INS’ position.  Due to unprecedented demand, the webinar is sold out. But thanks to the support by an educational grant from BD Medical, INS members will be able to view the archived presentation free of charge in the INS Knowledge Center later next week.

When it comes to short peripheral catheters, we encourage nurses/clinicians to…Think safety, Insert safely!