Assessment of peripheral intravenous catheter site in oncologic patients receiving chemotherapy: Delphi technique

Abstract

Background: A peripheral intravenous catheterization is performed for injecting therapeutic agents into the blood stream. However, it is not easily done in most cancer patients due to the abnormalities of blood vessels because of the repetition of intravenous insertion as well as toxicity of the chemotherapeutic agents. Objective: To study the proper venipuncture sites for chemotherapy in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Using the Delphi technique, nine of the ten experts, with more than seven years of experience, volunteered to respond to the Likert rating questionnaires. Results: All participants accomplished the study without procedure-related problems. Items concerning peripheral intravenous assessment on the dorsum of hand, forearm, antecubital fossa, and upper arm on the first, second, and third round were 58.3%, 58.3%, 58.3% and 48.3%; 71.6%, 71.6%, 73.3%, and 60.0%; 78.3%, 75.0%, 76.6%, and 65.0%, respectively. Discussion: Veins located on the dorsum of hand were preferred in the first rank due to the facility to identify as well as to care, clean and control infection. This was followed by antecubital veins for its larger size, small risks of thrombophlebitis, and less irritation during chemotherapy, and veins at the forearm for its facilitating self-care management, as well as preventing dislodgement and occlusion. Conclusion: The dorsum of hand followed by the antecubital fossa, forearm and upper arm of the non-dominant hand were the favorable sites of venipuncture for all cancer patients.