Does the use of infrared technology (accuvein av-500®) for peripheral intravenous cannulation (pivc) increase the success rate in nursing students? A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: PIVC is one of the essential procedures of modern medicine, and is one of the most widely used and important treatments in the clinical setting. Nevertheless, it is one of the most difficult skills to teach in nursing education, and it is the skill which causes the most anxiety in nursing students.Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the teaching method using infrared technology on PIVC success, duration, and the level of psychomotor skills and knowledge in the acquisition of PIVC skills in nursing students.Methods: This was a pre-test post-test randomized experimental study with a control group. The research was conducted in the Skills and Simulation Laboratory of a Nursing Faculty of a university between December 2019 and February 2020 to examine the effects of teaching PIVC measurement via infrared light on students' success rate. A theory lesson on PIVC followed 15 days later by laboratory practical was carried out with all of the students included in the study. The PIVC Knowledge Evaluation Form as a pre-test. The researchers completed the PIVC Skills Performance Test from observation during the application of the checklist. Immediately after the procedure, the PIVC Knowledge Evaluation Form was applied as a post-test.Results: The procedure success rate of the experimental group was 90%, and that of the control group was 46%. Comparing PIVC skill scores between the groups, the difference was found to be statistically significant (Z = -2.741; p < 0.05). The groups' PIVC knowledge levels increased in a similar way.Conclusion: Teaching with infrared technology contributes more to students' success in PIVC skills than does standard teaching. Both methods were effective in developing knowledge of PIVC.