One of the most common procedures for junior medical doctors is peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC). Considering this, an understanding of the peripheral intravenous cannulation procedure is paramount.
Aim: The objective of this study was to identify the level of understanding of interns regarding intravenous cannulation.
Method: An anonymized structured questionnaire using a knowledge attitude and practices (KAP) format was distributed to 60 interns affiliated to a university college hospital in Ireland.
Findings: This study suggests that interns are poorly prepared for one of the most common clinical skills they will perform. They showed poor understanding of whether peripheral cannulation is a clean or aseptic technique, and lacked knowledge of the potential side effects of peripheral cannulation and IV therapy.
Recommendations: A structured learning module on peripheral intravenous cannulation is required. A rigid, evidence-based, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) on peripheral cannulation is recommended. The reduction of junior doctors' weekly working hours to 48 under the European Working Time Directive offers the potential for nurses to take ownership of IV cannulation. This will allow junior doctors to focus on other clinical skills and assessments, which can only be to the advantage of the patient.