The impact of IV cannulation in the ambulance or ED
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of peripheral intravenous (IV) cannulation in the ambulance or emergency department
IRAS ID
179151
Contact name
Steve Goodacre
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Patients brought to hospital by emergency ambulance or managed in the emergency department often receive an intravenous (IV) cannula to allow drugs or fluids to be given. This is a small tube placed in the vein using a needle. A cannula is often placed in case it is needed but not actually used. This means that patients are exposed to the discomfort and risks of having a cannula without receiving any benefit.
This study aims to find out how often cannulae are used, how often complications arise, how much pain patients experience and what patients think of having a cannula put in their arm.
We will identify 200 patients who have a cannula inserted in the ambulance or emergency department and ask them to complete a questionnaire about the experience. We will also record details of the patient's treatment and how the cannula was used from the patient notes.
The information collected from this study will help us to use IV cannulae more appropriately and take the patient's viewpoint into consideration when deciding whether or not to insert a cannula.
The project will be undertaken by a medical student under the supervision of a senior emergency department doctor. It will not involve any change to patient care.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
15/WS/0098
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion