Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Access Training: A Prospective Observational Study of Emergency Nurses

Background Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (USGPIV) placement is more successful, comfortable, and longer lasting than traditional landmark-based IVs. While many hospitals have protocols for becoming credentialed in this skill, there is little information available about the USGPIV success rate during and after training. Objectives This pilot study aimed to quantify USGPIV attempts by emergency nurses undergoing USGPIV training and to determine if 10 successful USGPIVs predicted success in the next USGPIV. The secondary aims were to determine failure points for unsuccessful USGPIVs and the time to complete training. Methods Sixteen emergency nurses with no prior USGPIV experience were enrolled. Participants completed a one-hour didactic session and one hour of hands-on training with vein simulators. Participants had direct observation of all USGPIV attempts up until 10 successful cannulations. Each attempt was recorded along with reasons for USGPIV attempt failure and the time required to become credentialed. Results Participants attempted 200 USGPIVs with a success rate of 80% (160/200). Fourteen participants completed 10 successful USGPIVs, requiring a median of 11 attempts (IQR 10-13) and a success rate of 92.9% (13/14) on subsequent USGPIV attempts. Participants required a median observation time of 4.13 hours (IQR: 3.94-4.75). The most common point of failure was using dynamic ultrasound guidance to maintain needle tip visualization. Conclusions USGPIVs are a valuable skill that requires time and practice. Emergency nurses with no prior USGPIV experience can achieve the requirements for hospital credentialing and success on subsequent USGPIV insertion by completing 10 successful USGPIVs after a two-hour training session and four hours of direct observation.