The Effectiveness of an Intravenous Protection Dressing in Reducing Peripheral ‎Intravenous Catheter-Related Phlebitis in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Objective(s): To assess the effectiveness of the I.V. House Ultra Dressing in reducing peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis in pediatric patients, and to evaluate the correlation between pediatric sociodemographic, clinical characteristics and the protective efficacy of the dressing.

 Methods: A quasi-experimental, post-test-only study design was conducted in the pediatric wards of Tikrit Teaching Hospital and Balad General Hospital within the Salah Al-Din Health Department in Iraq. The study was carried out between December 1, 2024, and February 1, 2025. Using a non-probability purposive sampling method, 64 pediatric patients were recruited and divided equally into a study group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 32). The study group received the I.V. House Ultra Dressing protection device, while the control group received the standard traditional hospital dressing. Phlebitis scores were evaluated every 12 hours from the initiation of intravenous therapy until catheter removal using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis Scale VIPS. Data were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 26.

 Results: The study demonstrated a statistically significant difference in phlebitis scores and clinical signs between the two groups (P = 0.000). Over a three-day observation period, highly significant differences were maintained, with the study group demonstrating a marked decrease in the incidence and severity of phlebitis compared to the control group.

 Recommendations: Institutional protocols should integrate specialized intravenous protection dressings, such as the I.V. House Ultra Dressing, into standard pediatric nursing care. Furthermore, structured training programs should be implemented for healthcare workers, and future research should assess nurse and parental satisfaction regarding this baseline intervention.