Healthcare-associated infections related to vascular access devices, such as peripheral venous catheters (PIVC), represent a significant patient safety issue in inpatient care and may lead to serious complications, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Despite nurses’ competence in aseptic technique, adherence to guidelines is influenced by factors such as insufficient knowledge, high workload, and organizational conditions. According to the Swedish Society of Nursing’s competency description for specialist nurses in infectious care, the role involves an evidence-based approach with responsibility for preventing the spread of infection as well as leading and developing patient safety and quality of care.

The aim of this literature review was to identify evidence-based nursing interventions and underlying factors for preventing infections in the management of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) in inpatient care.  

The study was conducted as a structured literature review according to Flanagan and Beck’s nine-step model. The databases CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline were used, eleven quantitative and mixed-methods studies were included.

The results show that standardized protocols and care bundles, educational interventions, organizational factors, and specific clinical nursing measures collectively contribute to a reduced incidence of catheterrelated infections and improved adherence to evidence-based practice.

The conclusion is that the prevention of PIVC-related infections requires an integrated and systematic approach in which evidence-based guidelines, clinical competence, and organizational conditions interact, and that success depends on how interventions are implemented and maintained in everyday clinical practice.