Background:

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) placement is the most common invasive clinical procedure, often performed by nurses in hospitals worldwide. This study aimed to assess the effect of clinical guideline education on the knowledge and practice of nurses for PIVC placement based on short message service (SMS).

Methods:

In a quasi-experimental study with parallel groups, 66 nurses working in two general university hospitals in Iran were enrolled. Data was collected from 2017 to 2018. PIVC placement was assessed before, immediately, and 4 weeks after educational intervention based on SMS (twice a day for 10 days).

Results:

Nurses’ knowledge score immediately after intervention versus before intervention was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (4.48 vs −0.70; p < 0.001). Nurses’ knowledge score in 4 weeks after intervention versus immediately after intervention was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (0.03 vs 0.42; p = 0.014). Nurses’ knowledge scores 4 weeks after intervention versus before intervention was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (4.52 vs −0.27; p < 0.001). Nurses’ practice score immediately after intervention versus before intervention was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (0.57 vs −0.18; p = 0.174). Nurses’ practice score 4 weeks after intervention vs immediately after intervention was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (−0.10 vs −0.38; p = 0.046). Nurses’ practice scores 4 weeks after intervention versus before intervention was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (0.47 vs −0.56; p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Educational intervention by SMS had a significant effect on increasing the knowledge and practice of nurses toward clinical guidelines for PIVC placement. Therefore, it is suggested that educational intervention by SMS be conducted to improve nurses’ knowledge as an effective educational method.