Up to 90 percent of inpatients require an intravenous catheter during their hospitalization. A closed, integrated peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) system has been shown to protect veins for longer and reduce the risk of complications and unnecessary restarts when compared with an open system. This study evaluated the annual clinical and economic outcomes of adopting a closed, integrated PIVC system, instead of an open system, for inpatients in a Japanese hospital.

A budget impact analysis was developed to estimate the clinical and economic impact for a 500-bed hospital with an 85 percent occupancy rate and a 96-hour catheter replacement protocol. For the analysis, the average length of stay for patients was 12 days and 90 percent of inpatients required a PIVC. Inputs such as catheter failure rate, complication rate, consumables costs, and complication management costs were informed by global and local data sources. The outcomes evaluated included consumables utilization, complication events, nurse time, and overall cost impact.

The analysis estimated that 12,604 patients required PIVCs. Moving from an open to a closed, integrated PIVC system resulted in a 68 percent reduction in consumables (3,786 fewer catheters and 36,315 fewer connecting accessories). Complications (occlusion, extravasation, phlebitis, and bending) were reduced by 62 percent (3,682 fewer episodes). Blood exposure was reduced by 98 percent (3,565 fewer episodes), and nurse time decreased by 17 percent (786 fewer hours). This resulted in a potential overall cost saving of JPY3,955,140 (USD28,756) annually, after offsetting the acquisition cost of JPY888,247 (USD6,458) associated with the closed system.

PIVC is the most common vascular access device used in hospitals, and insertion and maintenance are often performed by nurses. Fewer complications can be expected with a closed system, leading to better patient outcomes. In addition, nurses spend less time managing complications and replacing PIVCs, and consumables utilization is reduced. This results in improved operational efficiency and potential cost savings for hospitals.