Key Strategies for Improving Outcomes of Patients With Peripheral Venous Catheters: Report of an International Panel Discussion

We report the opinions of a panel of infection prevention experts convened during the 2012 World Congress on Vascular Access. The panel reviewed topics related to the use of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs), with a specific focus on infection prevention. The international panel members agreed that lack of clinical evidence and scientific research regarding PVC management is a major cause of significant variances in practice. The panel members outlined a number of strategies that promote infection prevention during PVC use. However, overall agreement on all issues was not reached. Reasons for nonresolution were differences in the organization of health care systems among countries, differences in availability of materials among countries, and difference in national or supranational regulations.