Guide provides color-coded charts to aid proper IV catheter use

A guide developed by Michigan researchers provides color-coded charts to help healthcare professionals select the correct intravenous catheter and prevent infections. The Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters was created by a group of researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

The guide applies the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method to develop criteria for the use of peripherally inserted central catheters. The team reviewed 665 scenarios and rated 38% as appropriate, 19% as neutral or uncertain, and 43% as inappropriate. The guide provides color-coded charts or algorithms to indicate which devices are appropriate or inappropriate in different scenarios. It’s currently being tested in 47 Michigan hospitals taking part in a patient safety project.

Read the press release about the guide.

Read the study abstract in Annals of Internal Medicine.