A proactive approach to combating venous depletion in the hospital setting.

This study focuses on the effects of infusion nurse specialists on the culture of an institution as it relates to infusion therapy practice. During the 18-month study, data were gathered on the outcomes of the proactive approach instituted by the infusion specialists. Outcomes assessed included phlebitis prevalence, peripherally inserted catheter placements, patient satisfaction scores, and ratio of catheters being placed by interventional radiology to the bedside placements. The study discusses the methods used by the infusion team in an attempt to change the approach to infusion therapy.