Effect of Medical Adhesive and Skin Barrier Products Used for Central Venous Catheter Dressings on the Development of Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) is a preventable complication caused by the application or removal of medical adhesives used to secure medical devices. MARSI includes skin stripping, skin tears, blistering, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, and maceration, and may lead to pain, impaired skin integrity, increased infection risk, unplanned dressing replacement, prolonged hospitalization, and increased healthcare costs.

Patients with central venous catheters (CVCs), particularly those admitted to intensive care units, are at increased risk of MARSI because of repeated dressing changes, prolonged exposure to adhesive products, impaired skin integrity, and multiple intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. Previous studies have reported that the incidence of CVC-related MARSI ranges from approximately 11% to 32%, with the cervical region being the most commonly affected anatomical site.

Although various adhesive and skin protection products are available for CVC securement, evidence directly comparing their effectiveness in preventing CVC-related MARSI remains limited. Most previous studies have been observational, included relatively small sample sizes, had short follow-up periods, or evaluated skin injury as a secondary outcome rather than a primary endpoint. Consequently, there is insufficient high-quality comparative evidence to guide the selection of the most effective securement strategy for preventing MARSI in patients with CVCs.

This prospective, single-center, three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial is designed to compare the effectiveness of acrylic adhesive tape, silicone adhesive tape, and barrier film combined with acrylic adhesive tape in preventing CVC-related MARSI. Adult patients requiring an internal jugular CVC will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of the three intervention groups using stratified block randomization based on age and sex. Because the interventions are visually distinguishable, participant and care provider blinding is not feasible. Group allocation will be concealed from the statistician during data analysis. Participants will be followed for up to 21 days or until catheter removal.

The primary objectives are to compare the occurrence and incidence of CVC-related MARSI among the intervention groups. Secondary objectives are to compare the time to MARSI development, MARSI severity, and MARSI type. The findings of this study are expected to provide high-quality comparative evidence to support evidence-based nursing practice and identify the most effective adhesive securement strategy for preventing CVC-related MARSI among adult patients admitted to a Chest Diseases Intensive Care Unit.