Effect of tubular bandage application on peripheral intravenous catheter use duration and infiltration in children

Introduction: It has been reported that 20% of peripheral venous catheter dressings are not clean, intact, and dry. This emphasizes the importance of dressing and additional stabilization products, especially to prevent the displacement of peripheral venous catheters in pediatric patients. While the use of additional stabilization products in pediatric patients is thought to be effective in reducing catheter failure and complications, high-quality evidence on this topic remains limited. Aim: The study was conducted to determine the effect of tubular bandage application on the duration of peripheral venous catheter use and the frequency of infiltration occurrence. Method: The study, conducted as a randomized controlled experimental design, included a sample of 100 children and their parents. The degree of infiltration was evaluated daily using the Pediatric Peripheral Intravenous Infiltration Scale by the researcher and a nurse observer who was not involved in the study. Results: The children and parents in the group with tubular bandage application and the group receiving routine care were similar in terms of descriptive characteristics (p˃0.05). The two groups were also similar regarding the characteristics of the peripheral venous catheters (p˃0.05). It was found that the catheter usage duration was longer in the group with tubular bandage application compared to the group receiving routine care (p˂0.05). Additionally, infiltration occurred later in children in the tubular bandage group compared to those in the routine care group (p˂0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in catheter usage duration and infiltration occurrence time based on the placement site of the peripheral venous catheter (right or left forearm) (p˃0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that peripheral venous catheters with tubular bandage application had a longer usage duration and infiltration occurred later in the region. Keywords: Peripheral venous catheter, infiltration, additional stabilization, peripheral venous catheter lifespan, tubular bandage