ABSTRACT

Peripheral intravenous [PIV] therapy is commonly initiated and managed by registered nurses to deliver fluids and medications directly to a patient’s bloodstream. Due to the invasive nature of peripheral intravenous catheters [PIVCs], registered nurses must be competent in infection prevention strategies from insertion to removal. Mitigation of risks can be achieved through implementation of evidence-based practice [EBP] interventions and infection prevention bundles. The H.A.N.D.S bundle combines several high-quality strategies to increase infection control and ultimately improve outcomes in patients receiving infusion therapy. The H.A.N.D.S mnemonic stands for Hand Hygiene, Asepsis, Non-touch technique, Daily assessment, Documentation, and Scrub the hub. This EBP presentation aimed to increase nursing knowledge on infection prevention during insertion and management of PIVCs using the H.A.N.D.S bundle. A six-question multiple-choice questionnaire was created to assess nursing knowledge pre- and post-intervention. An educational poster concentrated on bundle components, clinical application, and benefits. The primary intended outcome was an increase in nursing knowledge regarding the H.A.N.D.S bundle and how to implement its components during PIV insertion and maintenance. The desired secondary outcome is an increase in nursing compliance with the bundled interventions and an overall decrease in PIV-related infections and complications. The H.A.N.D.S bundle provides nursing staff with a mnemonic to remind them of critical evidence-based strategies that if implemented correctly, will improve patient outcomes and decrease the risk of infection.

Keywords: H.A.N.D.S bundle, PIVC insertion and management, PIV therapy, educational module, and infection prevention