OBJECTIVES : Blood stream infections (BSIs) caused by intravenous tools are more and more common iatrogenic complications. Infections related to cannulas, especially high morbidity ratio, lethality around 25%, protracted hospitalization and elevated costs are inherent in BSIs. The aim of this study was to assess the detection of health workers according to the emergence of phlebitis’ risk factors, and to map the nurses’ awareness of new protocols and supplies.

METHODS : A descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out within nurses working in a university clinic’s different departments (internal medicine, surgery, intensive care) and in a city hospital’s departments (internal medicine, surgery) between 06.14.2018.-09.05.2018. Assessment was made with a self-made questionnaire that contained questions about socio-demographic data, general knowledge (protocol of hand disinfection, types of peripheral cannulas, bandages, symptoms of phlebitis, pathogens) and tasks related to cannulation of peripheral veins. We calculated descriptive statistics and χ²-test (p<0.05). Results were calculated with Microsoft Excel and SPSS Statistics 20.0.

RESULTS : 79.6% of respondents think that peripheral venous cannulas should be changed in every 72 hours, according to an old protocol. Regarding to transparent film dressing, 55.4% of respondents say that it must be changed as regularly as generic gauze dressing. Workers older than 50 years are significantly less aware than their younger colleagues (p=0.02). There was no significant difference between departments and health institutions in the results of knowledge test (number of points) (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS : Health workers are competent in detecting risk factors and early symptoms of phlebitis, however their knowledge is less sufficient about new protocols and supplies. Cannula infections can harden the everyday of health care. Training nurses regularly is important, so their knowledge can unify regardless to work experience and educational attainment, and they can be informed about newest protocols and the proper use of modern tools.