Care for peripheral intravenous catheter: an audit in two French university hospitals.

To assess adherence to French guidelines for the prevention of complications, particularly infections, associated with peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC). An observational audit was conducted across seven wards in two university hospitals. A digital tool was used to capture real-time compliance data based on the recommendations of the French Society of Hospital Hygiene. Data were collected among nurses caring PIVC over two periods: July 9-19, 2021, and November 22-26, 2021. Observations were carried out only during weekday daytime hours. A total of 120 insertions, maintenance, or removal were recorded. The compliance with key safety measures varied widely. Healthcare workers (HCWs) verified patient identity in only 50% of cases. Hand hygiene compliance rates were 82.5% before catheter insertion, 54% before infusion preparation or administration and dropped to just 13% before catheter removal.Catheter flushing was performed in 82.5% of insertions and 66% of post-infusion procedures; however occlusion was the common reason for catheter removal (14.3%). Glove use during insertion was observed in 47% of the cases.The audit highlighted inconsistent adherence to national recommendations for PIVC care. While some practices seem well integrated, others are insufficiently applied. These findings underscore the need to investigate barriers to adherence to evidence-based guidelines.