Difficult intravenous access in older adults with cancer: can vein-locating technology be key for vessel health?

Paulo Santos-Costa*, Filipe Paiva-Santos, Rafael A. Bernardes, Liliana B. Sousa, Filipa Ventura, João Faria, Isabel Gil, Pedro Parreira, Anabela Salgueiro-Oliveira, Margarida Vieira, João Graveto

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

While previous studies suggest that patient risk factors such as advanced age and cancer disease are accountable for difficult intravenous access (DIVA), very few studies have studied how the coexistence of both risk factors impacts care outcomes. We aimed to compare DIVA status and peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) related care outcomes in adults and older adults with cancer. A retrospective analysis was conducted using an existing dataset from a large Action-Research project conducted with the nursing team from a surgical oncology ward in Portugal. Study findings show that one in every three older adults is at moderate to high risk of DIVA. Compared to younger adults, this cohort is less likely to experience first-attempt success in PIVC insertion (69.7% versus 82%; χ2(1) = 4.17, p = 0.046), a higher number of consecutive puncture attempts (t(198) = -2.67, p = 0.008) and PIVC-related adverse events (23.6% versus 13.5%). These findings support the importance of formally conducting DIVA assessment in oncology settings, using structured approaches and instruments, as well as introducing vein-locating technologies such as ultrasound imaging and electrical stimulation technology that promote efficient, safe, and sustainable nursing practice.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGerontechnology V
Subtitle of host publicationcontributions to the 5th International Workshop on Gerontechnology, IWoG 2022
EditorsEnrique Moguel, Lara Guedes de Pinho, César Fonseca
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages241-250
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9783031290671
ISBN (Print)9783031290664, 9783031290695
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event5th International Workshop on Gerontechnology, IWoG 2022 - Evora, Portugal
Duration: 17 Nov 202218 Nov 2022

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Bioengineering
ISSN (Print)2195-271X
ISSN (Electronic)2195-2728

Conference

Conference5th International Workshop on Gerontechnology, IWoG 2022
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityEvora
Period17/11/2218/11/22

Keywords

  • Difficult intravenous access
  • Older adults
  • Peripheral intravenous catheterization
  • Vein-locating technology

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