Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Versus Traditional IV Insertion by Oncology Nurses in Adult Population Recieving Systemic Anti-cancer Therapy
Key facts
- Where
- Galway, IrelandSee the 2 sites
Where in Ireland
- Galway University HospitalGalway, IrelandTaking people
- Portiuncula University HospitalGalway, IrelandTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Galway
- Trial code
- NCT07208175
- Record updated
- 29 April 2026
- Original description
What is this study about? This study is comparing two different methods nurses use to place an intravenous (IV) drip, which is needed for many cancer treatments.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effectiveness of Ultrasound-guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (EUPIC) Insertion Versus Traditional (Touch and Feel) Insertion Approaches by Oncology Nurses. A Mixed-methods Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
What is this study about? This study is comparing two different methods nurses use to place an intravenous (IV) drip, which is needed for many cancer treatments.
Traditional method: The nurse finds a vein by touch and sight.
Ultrasound-guided method: The nurse uses a small, handheld ultrasound scanner to see the vein under the skin to help guide the needle.
Why is it important? Sometimes it can take more than one attempt to get an IV drip in place, which can be uncomfortable. For cancer patients, whose veins can be more fragile, this is a common challenge. This research will help us find out if using ultrasound helps get the IV in successfully on the first try more often, which can make the treatment experience better.
What does participation involve? If you choose to take part, you will be randomly assigned (like a coin toss) to have your IV placed with either the traditional method or the ultrasound method. The research team will then collect some information about the IV placement. Your participation is entirely voluntary and will not affect your standard medical care.
Inclusion: Adults aged 18 years or older; Diagnosed with cancer (all cancer sites eligible); Scheduled to receive systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies; Requiring peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion for treatment.
Exclusion: Patients younger than 18 years; Individuals unable to provide informed consent; Individuals unable to cooperate with study procedures (e.g., cognitive or physical limitations preventing adherence).