Successful intravenous (IV) catheter insertion is critical to the patient experience in oncology care, where repeated failed attempts can lead to increased anxiety, discomfort, and delays in treatment. This session will examine a study conducted at an outpatient oncology infusion center to determine the success rate of first-attempt IV insertion in 200 oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. It will also evaluate associations with total Oncology Difficult Intravenous Access (ONC-DIVA) scores and individual tool items, using the newly piloted ONC-DIVA assessment tool designed to identify patients at risk for difficult IV access. Using a cross-sectional observational design, the 10-item ONC-DIVA tool was completed during routine vein assessment prior to IV catheter insertion. Each item was scored as 0 (no) or 1 (yes), and a total score was calculated. Data on IV attempts, demographics, clinical factors, and venipuncture characteristics were extracted from the electronic medical record. 

Results showed a 73% success rate for first-attempt IV insertion. No demographic or clinical predictors were identified, but total ONC-DIVA scores were significantly associated with success (P = .037). While oncology-specific items showed no significant differences, vein visibility and palpability were significant predictors (P = .021 and P = .017). These findings support further research and may help clinicians improve IV success rates or determine when central venous access is needed. 

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:  

• Identify the importance of DIVA in oncology patients 
• Demonstrate understanding of a vein assessment tool like the ONC-DIVA tool 
• Describe the purpose and components of the ONC-DIVA tool used to assess vein characteristics prior to IV catheter insertion in oncology patients 
• Identify which individual vein characteristics (visibility and palpability) are significant predictors of IV insertion success 
• Describe the relationship between total ONC-DIVA scores and first-attempt IV insertion success, including statistical significance and implications 

Contact Hours: 1

CRNI^® RUs: 2