Related Experiment Videos
Occlusion problems in central venous catheters: the child and family perspective
1Oxford Brookes University, UK.
Insights
Central venous catheters (CVCs) in pediatric oncology can occlude, causing distress. Educating parents on CVC care and empowering them to manage lines at home can improve outcomes and reduce anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Medical Devices
- Patient Care
Background:
- Central venous catheters (CVCs) are vital in pediatric oncology for medication administration and blood sampling.
- CVC occlusion presents significant challenges, necessitating venipuncture or anesthesia for line replacement.
- Understanding occlusion factors and their impact is crucial for improving patient and family experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors contributing to CVC occlusion in children undergoing cancer treatment.
- To explore the emotional and practical effects of CVC occlusion on children and their families.
- To develop recommendations for improving CVC management and parental education.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase study involving a review of 63 children's case notes.
- Qualitative interviews with five families to explore experiences with CVC occlusion.
- Quantitative questionnaire distributed to 63 families to investigate key aspects of occlusion impact.
Main Results:
- Parents reported feelings of anxiety, anger, and helplessness due to CVC occlusion.
- Effective CVC care education for parents was identified as crucial.
- Coping strategies employed by families during occlusion events were documented.
Conclusions:
- Structured teaching programs and shared learning protocols are recommended for comprehensive CVC complication education.
- Equipping parents with knowledge and skills for home-based CVC flushing enhances their competence and reduces distress.
- Implementing these recommendations can improve the management of CVCs in pediatric oncology settings.
Abstract:
The use of central venous catheters (CVCs) has revolutionized practice within paediatric oncology settings. However, many children experience problems with occlusion of these devices. When working effectively, CVCs can assist the administration of medication and withdrawal of blood samples and minimize the need for venepuncture, thus considerably easing the trauma of children undergoing treatment for malignant disease. However, when lines are occluded children will be subjected to venepuncture or anaesthetic for line replacement. There are a myriad of factors that may lead to occlusion. A study was undertaken to identify these and explore the effects that occlusion of a CVC can have on the child and family. The research was conducted in two phases. Phase one consisted of a review of case notes of 63 children from which five families were selected for interview. These were undertaken to examine the possible factors that may have precipitated line occlusion and the subsequent effect of this on their lives. The issues arising from the interviews and review of the case notes were used inform phase two, which comprised the development and distribution of a questionnaire in order to investigate key aspects within a larger population of 63 families. This article explores the information gained from children and families about the effect occlusion can have on them and their lives. Overall the findings revealed that parents felt anxious, angry and helpless when faced with occlusion and they described the coping strategies they used when the problem arose. Furthermore, providing information and education to parents regarding the care of the CVC was crucial. Following an analysis of the implications for practice the main recommendations were twofold. First, that structured teaching programmes and shared learning protocols should be developed to ensure that parents are fully conversant with the possible complications associated with the CVC. Second, parents should be provided with the knowledge and skills to feel competent in flushing their child's line when they go home. Both these recommendations have subsequently been introduced within the unit.