It has been reported that effective catheter fixation will reduce the risk of catheter unavailability for specific reasons and the incidence of catheter-related complications. Intravenous cannulas are usually fixed with a thin board, a bandage, and tape. There is no standard way of using PIVC dressings in Turkey. After the catheter is inserted into the vein, gauze and a blaster, sterile transparent dressing materials, or just a blaster, are used to prevent contact of the fixed part and the area of intervention with the external environment. Transparent dressing used for catheter fixation contribute to a more comfortable evaluation of the catheter entry site. It has been suggested that the use of transparent film dressing may be effective in preventing and early detection of catheter-related complications. Moreover, it was concluded that due to the short duration of the procedure, it reduced the cost of manpower, and nurses could devote more time to other patients.
It is important that effective catheter fixation will reduce the risk of catheter unavailability for specific reasons and the incidence of catheter-related complications. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sterile transparent film dressing and tape methods used in pe- ripheral intravenous catheter application in newborns on the duration of catheter stay and the development of catheter-related complications.