Previous studies have found that around half of the cannulas we insert in the ED are never used. This is perhaps no big deal, as we generally take blood samples when they are inserted. However, compared to simple venepuncture, IV cannulas can be more painful and time-consuming to insert, and can lead to more complications (thrombophlebitis, site infection, bleeding, etc). This study looked at an intervention to try to reduce the amount of IV lines placed in the ED.

Academic Emergency Medicine, June 2018