Study Synopsis
The Need
Reduce Unnecessary Cannulas. Improve Care
Unnecessary Peripheral intravenous cannulas (PIVCs) are a widespread, preventable problem in Australian emergency departments (EDs)—driving harm, waste, and inefficiency.
$594M annual spend
$306M wasted on unused cannulas
11,790 clinician days lost
Patients are also exposed to avoidable risks, including bloodstream infections.
Our Approach
Deliver Safer, Smarter Care at Scale
This MRFF-funded ($2.9M) national study aims to:
✅ Reduce unnecessary PIVC insertions
✅ Improve patient safety
✅ Embed best practice in ≥50% of EDs
Led by Professor Diana Egerton-Warburton (Monash Health), aligned with he Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) through its PIVC Clinical Care Standard and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for preventing intravascular catheter infections, targeting the elimination of PIVC-related bloodstream infections.
Real-World Trial
Testing across 9 EDs to reduce unnecessary insertions and improve safety.
Co-Designed Intervention
Built with clinicians and patients to ensure it works in practice.
Economic & Environmental Impact
Quantifying cost savings and reducing low-value care.
National Scale-Up
Toolkits, partnerships, and engagement to drive adoption nationwide.
What will change
✔ Fewer unnecessary procedures
✔ Safer patient care
✔ Reduced infection risk
✔ Lower costs
✔ Reduced environmental impact
Key Outcomes
PRIMARY
- Fewer patients receiving unnecessary PIVCs
CLINICAL
- More appropriate use
- Maintained safety without routine cannulation
- Reduced infection rates
SYSTEM & QUALITY
- Improved clinician competency and decision-making
- Better insertion quality and documentation
- Increased clinician and patient satisfaction
PATIENT-CENTRED CARE
- Patients understand why a PIVC is (or isn’t) needed
- Higher first-attempt success
- Clear clinical indication for every PIVC