Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation and Phlebitis Risk at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Intravenous (IV) cannulation is the commonest invasive procedure among hospitalised patients. It is however associated with risks and complications that can have an adverse impact on the clinical outcome of the patient. Aim: To assess the incidence of and risk factors for development of phlebitis following peripheral IV cannulation at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), and establish the optimal day for routine replacement of IV cannulas in our setting. Method: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of three months from September 2013 to December 2013 at the Medical and Surgical Wards at CCTH. Patients were assessed using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) Score. Results were analysed and chi square was used to test associations and significance level set at p value ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 224 patients were assessed. The incidence rate of phlebitis was 52.2%. Phlebitis was higher among patients who had cannulas in situ beyond day four (66.3%) compared to those who had cannulas for up to four days (44.4%)(p=0.002). Phlebitis was also higher among patients with ongoing infections (69%) (p=0.023). Conclusion: Over half of cannulated patients studied developed phlebitis. Phlebitis rates were significantly increased four days post-cannulation and in patients with ongoing infections. Routine replacement of cannulas by day four is therefore recommended.