Improving IV Therapy Compliance Against Policy and Guidelines

Quality Improvement Poster Download

Background & Problem

Previous audits and anecdotal evidence demonstrate that the gap between clinical practice against policy and guideline recommendations is widely different.

Aim

To improve compliance with IV procedure guidelines to 80% in eight months. This specifically included: two checker process, independent calculations and correct use of blunt drawing up needles. Current compliance percentage was unknown.

Method

All three clinical areas were audited to produce a baseline compliance percentage, by observing 5 IV procedures. These findings then generated a more specific audit observation for future evidence. A questionnaire was also sent out to establish confidence level in IV practice, experience and how best to update practice.

Results

At the start of the project the lowest compliance percentage was 30%, but by the end of PDSA cycle 1 the majority was 80- 90%. The project is still in progress and overall the ward areas have been very positive in being open to reviewing their practice.

Implications

The project threw up barriers and other causative factors as to why compliance isn’t reached. This can be further explored along with assessment of blended learning approaches. Plans also include; review of the IV study day training and to create a working party to review and agree a fit for purpose policy that encompasses current practice evidence allowing for standardised, safe, efficient intravenous clinical practice each and every time.