Implementation of a multimodal strategy via a mobile application to reduce catheter failure in patients with vascular access devices in Spain (CUIDAVEN Study): a pre-post intervention study

TL;DR

A mobile app called CUIDAVEN helped reduce catheter complications and healthcare costs in Spain by improving nurse adherence to best practices.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of a mobile application in reducing catheter failure and CRBSIs through improved adherence to vascular access care guidelines.

Findings

Catheter failure rates decreased by 19.42% after using the CUIDAVEN app.

CRBSI rates dropped by 80%, and mean complication costs decreased significantly.

Patients reported increased knowledge and satisfaction with the mobile application.

Abstract

Two billion vascular access devices (VADs) are used each year worldwide for the administration of intravenous therapy. Among the most serious complications are catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), which increase morbidity and mortality and reduce patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing a multimodal intervention through a mobile application (CUIDAVEN, Nursing-led Vascular Access Care) on reducing catheter failure and the healthcare costs associated with CRBSIs, while improving nurses’ adherence to best practice recommendations for vascular access care.

We conducted a quasi-experimental pre-post intervention study without a control group, from April 2019 to August 2022, at the Hospital Regional University of Málaga (Spain). Adult patients requiring VADs (short peripheral intravenous catheters, midlines, peripherally inserted central catheter, and centrally inserted central catheters) for intravenous therapy and capable of using a mobile application were included. Patients with cognitive impairment or in a terminal condition were excluded. The intervention involved the use of the CUIDAVEN mobile application, which provided educational resources, reminders, and monitoring tools. Data were collected during the pre- and post-intervention phases. Variables analysed included sociodemographic characteristics, adherence to good practices, health outcomes, and resource consumption.

A total of 378 patients and 968 VADs were analysed. Catheter failure rate decreased by 19.42% in the post-intervention phase (from 16.95% to 12.24%), with an 80% reduction in CRBSIs (from 2.30% to 0.61%). Mean cost per complication fell from €310.66 to €118.79 (p=0.007). Significant improvements were observed in adherence to best practices. Patients also reported increased knowledge and satisfaction with the use of CUIDAVEN.

The implementation of the CUIDAVEN mobile application was associated with a reduction in both infectious and non-infectious complications and improved adherence to recommended practices. Patients perceived greater knowledge and satisfaction, highlighting the potential of digital health tools to empower individuals and improve health outcomes.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-025-01670-y.

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