Neonatal peripherally inserted central catheter team. Evolution and outcomes of a bedside-nurse-designed program

Area of Science:

• Vascular Access
• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Percutaneously inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) have been a staple for central venous access for over two decades.
• Historically physician-placed, PICC insertion is increasingly managed by specialized nursing teams across various patient populations.
• The evolution of PICC services highlights a shift towards nurse-led, specialized care models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment and expansion of a dedicated nurse-based PICC team.
• To detail the team's structure, training methodologies, and management strategies over 14 years.
• To showcase the successful implementation of a self-directed nursing committee for PICC management and quality improvement.

Main Methods:

• Development of a self-directed nurse team with a committee structure (oversight, education, guidelines, qualifications, quality improvement).
• Systematic selection and training of bedside nurses for PICC insertion.
• Implementation of consistent management protocols and outcome monitoring for all placed PICCs.

Main Results:

• The team successfully placed over 3400 PICCs in adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients.
• More than 50 bedside nurses were trained and credentialed to perform PICC insertions.
• Established a robust system for ongoing management, quality assurance, and outcome surveillance.

Conclusions:

• Nurse-based PICC teams can be effectively developed and managed through a structured, self-directed model.
• This approach ensures high-volume, safe PICC insertions and consistent patient care.
• The committee structure facilitates continuous quality improvement and professional development in vascular access nursing.