Novel Antimicrobial Dressing in Peripheral Intravenous Catheters (PIVCs)

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare a chlorhexidine impregnated dressing for peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) to the standard dressing currently used in general medical and surgical inpatient wards.The main questions it aims to answer are:Study FeasibilityOccurrence of infectious complications related to the PIVCParticipants will be randomly allocated to receive either of the below dressings to cover and secure their PIVC:The standard dressing used at their hospital, orThe intervention dressing which has Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) on itResearchers will compare standard and CHG dressings to see if the presence of CHG improves the occurrence of infectious complications related to the PIVC.

Inclusion Criteria:PIVC to be inserted with expected dwell >48 hoursProvided written and informed consent (patient or carer)Australia only• ≥6 years of age (due to size of dressing)France only• ≥18 years of ageExclusion Criteria:Burned, non-intact or scarred skin at the insertion siteKnown allergy to CHG or transparent dressing adhesivesPalliative care patients on end-of-life pathwayPatient who has already participated in the studyPlacement of a PIVC in an emergency, that does not allow the usual rules of hygiene for insertion to be adhered to.Additional exclusions to Australian study onlyNon-English-speaking patients without interpreterUnder the care of Child and Family Services and unable to gain consent from case worker (paediatric patients)Additional exclusions to French study onlyPatients not benefiting from the French Social Security scheme or not benefiting from it through a third party,Persons benefiting from enhanced protection, namely minors, persons deprived of their liberty by a judicial or administrative decision, adults under legal protection.Known pregnant or breastfeeding womenPredictably difficult vascular access (IV drug addiction, obesity)