ntroduction: Peripheral intravenous cannulation is a common intervention performed within
the Emergency Department (ED). However, studies have shown that while patients may have a
cannulae inserted they are often unused. Across Australia, it is unclear the frequency and use
of peripheral intravenous cannulae (PIVC) within the emergency setting.
Method: A one-month retrospective randomised medical record audit of adult patients was conducted.
Data were retrieved from the ED electronic database and the paper medical record.
Data included: patient demographic (age, gender) and clinical information (time of arrival,
triage category, presenting problem, discharge diagnostic code, and disposition) and cannula
usage (time of fluids, pharmacological agents, pathology, radiological investigations, other
diagnostic uses).