Peripheral Intravenous Practice in Emergency Department: Best Evidence vs. Reality

Background: The first national Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (PIVC) Clinical Standard was launched in 2021 by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to guide PIVC care. However, clinicians’ knowledge, attitude and practice toward the Standard are unknown, especially in emergency department (ED) settings.

Aim: To assess ED clinicians’ knowledge, attitude and adherence to the PIVC Clinical Care Standard.

Method: An online national survey was conducted in Australia in mid-2022. The snowballing sampling method was used. The survey included both 5-point Likert scales and multiple-choice questions.