Peripherally inserted central catheters and their use in i.v. therapy.

Area of Science:

• Vascular Access Devices
• Intravenous Therapy
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are utilized for short- to long-term intravenous (IV) therapy across various clinical settings.
• Home-based IV therapy is increasingly common, necessitating safe and effective device options.
• Minimizing patient trauma from repeated cannulations is a key consideration in device selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PICCs for diverse patient needs.
• To highlight the role of PICCs in reducing complications associated with traditional IV access.
• To underscore the importance of patient assessment in selecting appropriate vascular access devices.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on PICC utilization.
• Analysis of clinical outcomes and patient safety data related to PICCs.
• Examination of cost-effectiveness in comparison to other IV access methods.

Main Results:

• PICCs provide adequate and safe IV therapy for short- and long-term needs.
• PICC use is associated with reduced patient trauma from multiple cannulations.
• PICCs effectively decrease risks such as thrombophlebitis, infection, and insertion complications.
• PICC therapy has demonstrated both clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• PICCs are a clinically effective and safe option for intravenous therapy, including homecare.
• The use of PICCs can significantly minimize patient trauma and reduce catheter-related complications.
• Thorough patient assessment is crucial for optimal device selection and high-quality care, with nurses often leading IV therapy advancements.