Peripheral Venous Access Management by Radiologic Technologists in Radiodiagnostic Procedures: Training, Organization, and Patient Safety. Evaluation of a Structured Training Program and Its Clinical and Organizational Effects

This prospective, single-center, single-arm interventional study aims to evaluate the quality and impact of a structured theoretical and practical training program designed to qualify Radiologic Technologists (RTs) to perform peripheral venous access (PVA) placement for contrast media administration in a radiodiagnostic setting.The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of the training program by evaluating the acquisition of technical competencies and theoretical knowledge among RTs. In addition, the study evaluates the clinical impact of the intervention in routine practice by analyzing the incidence of PVA-related complications and the patient experience in terms of pain perception, procedural success, and perceived safety.Secondary objectives include assessing RTs' perceptions of the training program with regard to organization, clarity of content, educational effectiveness, and perceived impact on professional practice. The study also aims to measure the incidence of adverse events associated with PVA placement performed by trained RTs and to examine patient-reported outcomes, including pain, first-attempt success rate, procedure duration, and overall satisfaction.

Study Design and Duration: This is an interventional, prospective, single-center, single-arm study that does not involve investigational drugs or medical devices. The intervention consists exclusively of a competency-based training program. The study will begin following Ethics Committee approval and administrative authorization and will have a total planned duration of six months.

The first month (Phase 1 - Intervention Implementation) will include delivery of the theoretical and practical training program and supervised clinical practice. Each RT will complete at least 20 supervised PVA placements. At the end of this phase, RTs will complete a structured survey assessing training effectiveness and perceived preparedness.The following four months (Phase 2 - Intervention Evaluation) will involve data collection during routine clinical activity, with RTs independently performing PVA placement and completing standardized data collection forms. The final month will be dedicated to data analysis and reporting.

Study Setting The study will be conducted at the Radiodiagnostic Service of the Columbus site of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome. Study activities will primarily take place in the computed tomography (CT) unit, where contrast media administration routinely requires PVA placement. All procedures will be performed as part of routine clinical practice following completion of the training program, in accordance with institutional procedures and international guidelines for short peripheral venous catheter insertion.

Study Population The study population includes Radiologic Technologists working in the Radiodiagnostic Service and adult patients undergoing contrast-enhanced imaging examinations. Approximately 384 adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing CT or MRI examinations requiring contrast media administration will be included. RT inclusion criteria, include voluntary participation with informed consent and completion of the training program. RTs who do not provide informed consent will be excluded.Patient inclusion criteria include age ≥18 years, informed consent, and clinical indication for PVA placement. Exclusion criteria include age <18 years, severe cognitive impairment, lack of informed consent, and clinical conditions that make venipuncture complex or unsafe.