Effectiveness of using the Practice Guideline for Phlebitis and Infiltration Prevention from Vasopressor Agents in Cardiac Care Unit, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using Practice Guideline to prevent Phlebitis and Infiltration from Vasopressor Agents (Dopamine). Cardiogenic shock or septic shock patients admitted in Cardiac Care unit of Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital were recruited in this study. Quasi-experimental design was applied, to 60 patients who had received dopamine who were divided into two groups, 30 for experimental group and another 30 as the control group. Guidelines for Phlebitis and Infiltration Prevention from Vasopressor agents were applied to experimental group compared to the control group which were treated following a standard care method. The results showed significant statistical difference in Phlebitis between the experimental and control groups (t = 2.41, p <0.05), as well as in Infiltration (t = -2.30, p <0.05). Particularly in experimental group indicated less phlebitis     (Mean treatment group =1.70 and Mean control 1.93).and less infiltration than in the control group (Mean treatment group =1.63 and Mean control 1.90) respectively.