A Randomized Trial Comparing Outcomes of 3 Types of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters.

BACKGROUND: There was an increase in peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) complications and adverse patient events after product conversion during the merger between a rural hospital and a larger hospital system. A review of the existing literature identified a gap in evidence evaluating 2 closed PIVC systems compared with an open PIVC system. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current project was to ascertain whether open or closed PIVCs are best for patients, staff, and the health care system in terms of 3 main criteria: quality, safety, and cost. METHODS: A prospective, 2-site randomized controlled trial was used to compare outcomes. RESULTS: There were no differences in the complication rates between catheter types. There was a statistically significant increase in blood leakage and a decrease in clinician satisfaction with the open-system catheter. CONCLUSIONS: Our project supports current clinical recommendation that a closed PIVC system, regardless of type, is not only safer and cost-effective but also preferred by patients and clinicians.