Abstract:
Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is one of the most common invasive procedures in acute care, yet it is frequently associated with practice variability, complications, and reduced patient satisfaction. FirstHealth of the Carolinas (FHC), a regional health care system, identified significant opportunities to improve vascular access through enhanced training, standardization, and evidence-based practice. In partnership with an external vascular access improvement program, FHC implemented the Peripheral Advantage® program beginning in 2021. This comprehensive program included simulation-based training, eLearning, device optimization, and continuous data monitoring. In 2022, the initiative expanded through collaboration with regional nursing schools to integrate the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) peripheral intravenous (PIV) curriculum, establishing a sustainable educational pipeline for future clinicians. Outcomes initially demonstrated a more than twofold increase in average dwell times (2.13–4.76 days), improvement in first-stick success (70%–83.7%), and increased clinician knowledge and patient satisfaction. Sustained data collection through 2025 confirmed ongoing improvement, with first-stick success reaching 86.7% and consistent gains in patient satisfaction and PIVC dwell times reaching 5.11 days. This quality improvement initiative highlights the value of Peripheral Advantage in achieving reliable, patient-centered outcomes and provides a model for replication across health care systems.
Reference:Lindell, K. S. (2026) ‘Sustained Improvements in Peripheral Intravenous Outcomes through the Implementation of the Peripheral Advantage Program,’ Journal of the Association for Vascular Access, 31(2), pp. 8–11. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2309/1557-1289-31.2.8 (Accessed: 11 July 2026).