Basis of the replacement of short peripheral intravenous catheters for clinical nurses: a qualitative study

Objective To investigate the current status and influencing factors of basis of the replacement of short peripheral intravenous catheters for clinical nurses and explore the obstruction of the latest guide promoted in practice. Methods The qualitative research method was adopted, and semistructured interviews were used to interview 11 clinical nurses. Data were analyzed by the method of category analysis. Results Although the clinical nurses mainly used the national standards to do practical operation, they preferred to carry out catheter replacement according to clinical indications. The difference between the latest guide and the national standards was the main obstruction in the practical promotion of the latest guide. Conclusions The removal of short peripheral intravenous catheters according to clinical indications is more suitable for clinical practice. Further improving the standards of intravenous therapy in China has become a fundamental measure to solve the contradictions of work of clinical nurses, improve patients′ medical experience and save medical resources. Key words: Short peripheral intravenous catheters; Time; Basis of the replacement; Qualitative study