The effectiveness of training programmes in reducing short peripheral intravenous catheter failures: A systematic review

Aim: To assess and synthesise evidence on short peripheral intravenous catheter (sPVC) management training programmes and evaluate their effectiveness in reducing early sPVC failure in hospitalised patients. Background: Modifiable risk factors, including choice of catheter, site of insertion, early recognition of complications and provider expertise, play a critical role in sPVC failure, highlighting the need for targeted educational programmes to improve provider skills and adherence to evidence-based practices. Design: A systematic review was employed following the PRISMA guidelines. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across four databases-PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane CENTRAL. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating training programmes for sPVC management in healthcare professionals, with outcomes related to sPVC failure, were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023444364) and the search covered studies published up to June 20, 2024. Results: The search strategy retrieved 12,253 articles, of which three were included. These reported a significant reduction in sPVC failure in the intervention groups, with reductions ranging from 8 % to 29 %. However, no improvements were found in individual outcomes (occlusion, dislodgment, infiltration, infection). The included studies exhibited substantial heterogeneity in training programme characteristics, including duration, content and delivery methods. Conclusion: Structured training programmes can help reduce sPVC failure rates, despite variations in programme implementation. Short- and long-term programmes showed benefits, with long-term training supporting sustained adherence to evidence-based practice despite requiring more resources. A small number of studies prevent definitive conclusions about overall effectiveness.