Patients’ experiences in ultrasound-guided intravenous catheter insertion: A qualitative study

Background

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is the most performed invasive procedure in healthcare. However, it often presents challenges in patients with non-visible or non-palpable veins, leading to unsuccessful cannulation attempts and associated complications. Ultrasound-guided PIVC insertion is a promising solution for patients with difficult venous access (DIVA). However, there remains a gap in the literature regarding patient experiences with this technique.

Aim

This study aimed to describe the characteristics and experiences of patients referred to a specialised DIVA team for ultrasound-guided PIVC insertion and compare their experiences with previous traditional cannulation.

Method

A qualitative study was conducted at an Australian 980-bed metropolitan tertiary referral centre. Thirteen patients were recruited through purposive sampling and interviewed post-ultrasound-guided cannulation. Data collection was conducted using one-on-one interviews followed by thematic analysis.

Results

The study identified three major themes: the improved patient experience resulting from the expertise of the DIVA team with ultrasound cannulation; the impact of limited equipment and trained personnel on patient experience and outcomes; and the significance of acknowledging patients’ prior cannulation experiences. Participants reported a stark contrast in their experiences between ultrasound-guided and traditional cannulation, with the former significantly reducing physical discomfort, stress and anxiety and improving success rates.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided PIVC insertion by trained clinicians significantly enhances the experience for patients with DIVA. However, challenges remain, including the availability of equipment and trained staff. The study highlights the need for policy changes and training in ultrasound-guided cannulation to improve patient care and outcomes. Future research should focus on broader and more diverse populations to validate these findings.