Direct cost of peripheral catheterization by nurses

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Healthcare Economics
• Vascular Access

Background:

• Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are crucial in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• Understanding the direct costs associated with PICC procedures performed by nurses is essential for resource management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the average direct cost of peripherally inserted central catheterization procedures.
• To identify cost-driving factors in PICC procedures performed by nursing professionals in pediatric and neonatal intensive care settings.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, exploratory-descriptive, single-case study design was employed.
• Non-participant observation of 101 PICC procedures was conducted.
• Costs were calculated by summing direct nursing labor, materials, drugs, and solutions, based on procedure execution time.

Main Results:

• The average direct cost for a PICC procedure was US$ 326.95 (SD = US$ 84.47), with a median cost of US$ 326.17.
• Costs ranged from US$ 99.03 to US$ 530.71.
• Material costs and direct nursing labor significantly impacted the overall procedure cost.

Conclusions:

• This study provides crucial data on the direct financial costs of PICC procedures in pediatric and neonatal ICUs.
• Findings illuminate resource consumption, suggesting opportunities for improved efficiency in resource allocation.
• Cost analysis can inform financial planning and operational improvements in specialized nursing care.