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. 2022 Sep 16;25(4):176-185.
doi: 10.1002/ajum.12318. eCollection 2022 Nov.

Remotely supervised ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation training: A prospective cohort study examining success rates and patient experience

Nathan Peters  1   2   3 , Joel Thomas  1   2 , Christine Woods  1   2 , Claire Rickard  2   4   5   6 , Nicole Marsh  4   5   6
Affiliations

Remotely supervised ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation training: A prospective cohort study examining success rates and patient experience

Nathan Peters et al. Australas J Ultrasound Med. .

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation (USGPIVC) benefits patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) through visualising otherwise non-visible and non-palpable veins. Supervised live-case training is an important component of learning this skill, but supervisor availability can present a barrier limiting or delaying staff completing their training.

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the first-attempt success rate of newly trained USGPIVC inserters using remote supervision and timely written feedback based on app-based screen recordings taken during insertion. Secondary aims were overall procedural success, and inserter and patient experiences.

Methods: This study is an observational cohort study carried out between October and December 2021. Fourteen newly trained junior medical officers (JMOs) were eligible to utilise USGPIVC on a minimum of five consenting patients while simultaneously recording the ultrasound screen during insertion to capture their technique. Feedback was generated following expert review of these recordings against a standardised feedback tool.

Results: Average first-attempt success was 71% (n = 72) in the 102 patients recruited. The average time for JMOs to receive feedback was 30 h, and 13 JMOs (93%) felt well supported and completed the remote training pathway. The majority of patients were female (n = 59; 58%), were aged 41-80 years (n = 75; 74%) and had ≥2 risk factors for DIVA (n = 57; 56%).

Conclusions: First-attempt success rates were similar when comparing remote supervision used in this study to direct supervision used by other studies.This finding supports incorporating remote supervision into training guidelines for USGPIVC as an alternative method of supervision, particularly when supervisor availability is limited.

Keywords: catheterisation; difficult vascular access; education; peripheral; ultrasound guidance.

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Conflict of interest statement

NP and JT are course facilitators of the Ultrasound Guided Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation course at the Clinical Skills Development Service (MetroNorth Hospital and Health Service). CW has no conflicts of interest to declare. CR's employer (Griffith University or The University of Queensland) has received investigator‐initiated research grants or consultancy payments on her behalf. On behalf of NM, Griffith University and The University of Queensland have received investigator‐initiated research grants or consultancy payments.

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    Whalley G. Whalley G. Australas J Ultrasound Med. 2022 Nov 9;25(4):159. doi: 10.1002/ajum.12326. eCollection 2022 Nov. Australas J Ultrasound Med. 2022. PMID: 36405795 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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