Introducing the Ward Phlebitis Scoring Chart 2018: A reflective and personal practical review and approach
Introducing the Ward Phlebitis Scoring Chart 2018: A reflective and personal practical review and approach
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In our edition of: Feb 2019
In our categories of: practice management
our summary:
Ward, A. (2018) Introducing the Ward Phlebitis Scoring Chart 2018: A reflective and personal practical review and approach. Veterinary Nursing Journal, 33 (11), pp. 313-318
The author of this article discusses the development of a care plan for IV catheters to ensure a holistic experience for the veterinary patient. This is then developed into a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for IV Catheter Nursing Care, which incorporates both a patency check every four hours and a phlebitis check every 12 hours.
The phlebitis check incorporates the Ward Phlebitis Scoring Chart (WPSC) 2018, which the author has developed from an NHS model to provide a usable tool for use in a veterinary clinic. The WPSC works on a subjective scoring system of 0 to 4, based on observations of the IV site and of the patient’s overall state of health and wellbeing:
- score 0 indicates the IV site appears healthy and shows no signs of phlebitis;
- score 1 indicates possible first signs of phlebitis;
- score 2 indicates the IV site is showing signs of swelling and pain. Re-siting of the catheter is required;
- score 3 indicates the IV site is showing signs of irritation, pain, redness and swelling. Re-siting of the catheter is required and treatment should be considered;
- score 4 indicates the IV site is showing advanced stages of thrombophlebitis requiring treatment. Re-siting of the catheter is required.Photographs are used throughout to illustrate the points discussed.
The ideas and tools discussed in this article could prove to be very effective in clinical practice in helping to reduce the incidence of phlebitis. Veterinary practices may want to introduce use of the scoring chart into their procedures and then carry out an audit on the occurrence of phlebitis and, as appropriate, adopt suitable measures to reduce the rate/severity of episodes.
Image copyright attribute: Илья Бурдун
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You can probably place an IV catheter with your eyes closed and hands tied but here's a handy tool to help manage and reduce phlebitis: https://t.co/Cvwl30J7Jg #PSAW19 #inFOCUSFebruary
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Have you read our summary on home heart monitoring in this month's inFOCUS (https://t.co/GdCR12uFQ3)? Was it useful? Are you now more likely to use or recommend a smartphone-based ECG? We want your views! #inFOCUSFebruary #telehealth #telemedicine
In inFOCUS this month, a summary of @Vet_Record's 'Home monitoring of heart rate and heart rhythm with a smartphone-based ECG in dogs' (https://t.co/GdCR12uFQ3). Have you/your clients ever used a smartphone #ECG device to monitor pets? #telehealth #telemedicine #inFOCUSFebruary
Issue 11 of inFOCUS, our free journal watch, is out now! Articles on heart monitoring, dental plaque, phlebitis, hay steaming + diet/exercise in obese horses. Check your inboxes or view online: https://t.co/ahuVoKEO4I #inFOCUSFebruary #EBVM #telehealth
Prospective randomised blinded clinical trial assessing effectiveness of three dental plaque control methods in dogs | in FOCUS https://t.co/q8fMl79Uzl #inFOCUSFebruary via @RCVSKnowledge
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