Unsecured IV cannulas pose a number of significant health risks, including mechanical phlebitis and an increased risk of infection. There is a need to educate clinical staff that stabilising IV cannulas is an important measure in helping to reduced cases of phlebitis. Evidence suggests that proper and appropriate IV cannula securement plays an important role not only in reducing health risks, but also in improving cost effectiveness and patient care. Currently, there are a number of securement devices available to clinicians and their use should be encouraged whenever appropriate.
The clinical interventions nurses make should be evidence- based and more ongoing research will be required to continue to inform clinicians about the best methods of securing indwelling medical devices. As further research is undertaken patient safety will continue to improve.