• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.169-181
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of patient surveillance on nurses' adherence to the guidelines on peripheral vascular catheter management. Method: A one group time series design was used. Seventy six nurses participated in the study. The data were collected from October 1 to November 4, 2008. Result: The effects of patient surveillance were significant on nurses' average adherence rates to the guidelines estimated by observers and by themselves, and the levels of nurses self recognition on the importance of the guidelines. In addition, overall occurrence rates of phlebitis tend to decrease after patients surveillance. Even though 33 nurses didn't follow the guidelines perfectly, most patients did not provide feedbacks to the nurses' non-adherence. Among the nurse participants, 36.8% answered that patient surveillance was acceptable. Conclusion: This study found that patients with peripheral catheters could positively influence nurses' adherence to the catheter management guidelines. Therefore, inviting patients in nursing activities could benefit to the quality of patients care. However, it seems essential to create an environment fostering nurses' acceptance of the patients' surveillance. Further research warrants the potential benefits of the patient's participations in nursing activities.