Impact on patient care. 2652 PIC catheter days in the alternative setting

Management of parenteral therapies in the home or nonacute setting is essential. Peripherally inserted long-line catheters establish venous access in patients in a safe, cost-effective, and improved manner. Data were collected on 130 cases from 24 offices in 16 states. The most frequently occurring types of therapies used were antibiotic, pain control, and parenteral nutrition. Average length of therapy was 20.4 days. The major reasons for catheter removal other than completion of therapy (58%) were occlusion (14%), breakage (5%), and phlebitis (4%).