A Tale of Two Procedures: Analyzing IV Insertion and Feeding Tube Placement Outcomes

Introduction

This post presents an analysis of IV insertion and feeding tube placement success rates from January 1, 2024 to October 8, 2024.

Peripheral IV insertion and small bowel feeding tube placement are common procedures in the critical care setting. Peripheral IVs provide essential access for fluids, medications, and other treatments, while small bowel feeding tubes ensure proper nutrition delivery in patients with compromised gastrointestinal function. Tracking performance metrics for each procedure is crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimizing outcomes. Monitoring success rates in reference to techniques used can help identify areas for improvement, guide professional development.

By keeping a close eye on these metrics, I can improve in these essential procedures.

IV Insertion Success Rates: A Proven Track Record

This table presents an analysis of IV insertion success rates, comparing different insertion methods (US, Conventional, Transillumination, and IO) across different time periods (First Part of Year, Second Part of Year).

  • Overall: Ultrasound (US) and Transillumination show the highest success rates, with IO having no insertions. The overall success rate across all methods is 44.77%.

  • First Part of Year: Conventional insertions, or those done based on palpation and anatomical landmarks, were attempted alongside US, with a combined success rate of 44.94%. Note: Transillumination wasn't recorded during this period as I had not differentiated between the Conventional and Transillumination until later in the year.

  • Second Part of Year: Conventional insertions were not performed, but a significant increase in the overall success rate (74%) is observed, driven by improved US and Transillumination success. By this time, I had differentiated between the Transillumination and Conventional insertions.

The data showcases a strong track record of successful IV insertions, particularly when utilizing Ultrasound (US) and Transillumination techniques. On average, I placed 1.232 IV catheters per shift. Overall, these methods demonstrate high success rates, contributing to an overall success rate of 44.77%. Notably, performance has improved over time, with the second part of the year showing a remarkable 74% success rate. This upward trend highlights a commitment to continuous improvement and the adoption of the most effective technique: Ultrasound.

Note that Conventional insertions were only recorded in the first part of the year, and I didn’t differentiate between Conventional and Transillumination until the second part of the year. While some methods have shown lower success rates, the data indicates a clear focus on utilizing the most effective technique (US), leading to more successful insertions.

Small Bowel Feeding Tube: An Area in Need of Improvement

This table tracks the success and failure rates of small bowel feeding tube insertions and the location of successful insertions.

  • Overall: The overall success rate is 60.71%, with a higher percentage of successful insertions terminating in the stomach (76.47%) compared to the small bowel (23.53%).

  • First Part of Year: Success rate was lower (56.52%) with a similar distribution of termination locations as the overall data.

  • Second Part of Year: A significantly higher success rate (80%) was achieved, with all successful insertions terminating in the stomach.

The data reflects a strong overall success rate of 60.71% in feeding tube insertions, with a notable improvement in performance observed in the latter part of the year, reaching an impressive 80% success rate. This demonstrates a clear upward trajectory in skill and proficiency. However, the majority of successful insertions consistently terminate in the stomach, indicating a low degree of accuracy and precision in the procedure. While there is room for continued growth and refinement, the data supports a narrative of consistent competence.

Also while the data suggests an improvement in the procedure's success rate over time and a potential association between insertion technique and termination location, more detailed information and larger sample sizes would be needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this analysis of IV insertion and feeding tube placement success rates highlights a commitment to providing high-quality patient care. The data demonstrates a strong overall track record in both procedures, with notable improvements observed over time.

In the realm of IV insertion, the adoption of Ultrasound significantly boosted success rates. The upward trajectory in success rates, particularly in the latter part of the year, further underscores this commitment to continuous improvement.

While feeding tube insertions have also seen a commendable overall success rate and a marked improvement in recent months, the data indicates an opportunity for enhanced precision and accuracy in achieving the desired placement location. This presents a clear area for targeted focus and future development.

Overall, this analysis paints a positive picture of proficiency and progress in both IV insertion and feeding tube placement.