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Effect of Hickman catheters on the self-esteem of patients with leukemia
Insights
Hickman right atrial catheters improve venous access for acute leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study found no negative impact on patient self-esteem, allowing for their use without concern.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Devices
- Psychosocial Oncology
Background:
- Hickman right atrial catheters provide essential prolonged venous access for chemotherapy in acute leukemia patients.
- Catheter presence can impact body image and requires patient adherence for maintenance, raising concerns about psychosocial effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of Hickman catheter insertion on the self-esteem of acute leukemia patients.
- To determine if body image and lifestyle alterations associated with catheters negatively affect patient self-esteem.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study comparing two groups of acute leukemia patients over 30 days.
- One group received treatment with right atrial Hickman catheters, while the control group did not.
- Purpose-in-life testing was utilized to assess self-esteem in both groups.
Main Results:
- No significant alterations in self-esteem were observed in patients using Hickman catheters during the study period.
- The presence of the catheter did not lead to a measurable adverse effect on patient self-esteem.
Conclusions:
- Hickman right atrial catheters can be safely utilized for venous access in acute leukemia patients.
- The use of Hickman catheters does not appear to adversely affect patient self-esteem, supporting their clinical utility.
Abstract:
Hickman right atrial catheters are useful in providing prolonged access for chemotherapy. Their presence does alter body image, however, and the maintenance of catheter patency during periods of outpatient care demands patient cooperation and participation. To determine whether the alterations in body image and life-style brought about by catheter insertion would have a negative effect upon the self-esteem of patients with acute leukemia, "purpose-in-life" testing was done prospectively in two groups of patients treated over a 30-day period with and without right atrial catheters. No significant alterations in self-esteem were noted during the study period in response to the use of Hickman catheters. The results suggest that Hickman catheters can be used as needed to improve venous access in patients with acute leukemia, without fear that this will adversely affect self-esteem.
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