Patient Self-Monitoring of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis Score: A Pilot Study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate patients’ knowledge of using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) score for self-monitoring of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) during hospitalization. Methods: A descriptive comparative pilot study was conducted on 64 inpatients aged ≥18 years by using a structured Patient Knowledge Evaluation Questionnaire (PKEQ) on days 1, 2, and 3 of hospitalization. Patients received education on using the VIP score after admission. Patient knowledge levels, phlebitis scores, and major adverse events were compared between younger participants aged ≥18 years to <70 years and older participants aged >70 years. Results: Results were statistically significant for patient knowledge of using the VIP score on day 1 ( P < .015) and day 2 ( P < .037) after PIVC insertion but not for day 3. Patients’ accuracy of scoring was comparable with nurses’ scores. Major in-hospital adverse events were not statistically different. Patients of all ages ≥18 years to >70 years applied their knowledge of the VIP score for accurate assessment and monitoring of their PIVCs for visual signs of phlebitis. Conclusion: These findings could guide innovative clinical practice developments in safe PIVC care by promoting patient education on using the VIP score for early visual detection of PIVC-related complications.