Developing an Alternative Workflow Model for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Placement

Abstract

Many challenges face vascular access nurses as technology improves and patients require more numerous and lengthy intravenous therapies. Nurses began placing peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) at the patient bedside in an effort to defray costly interventional radiology procedures and provide for patient comfort. In recent years, the numbers of PICC procedures have increased, and the procedure itself has become more technologically advanced. With these advances have come new logistical, environmental, and ergonomic challenges. This article explores some of these challenges, offers an alternative model to bedside PICC insertions, and describes the process and results of implementing this model in the milieu of a university teaching hospital.

A team-based multidisciplinary approach to managing peripherally inserted central catheter complications in high-risk haematological patients: a prospective study

“…Our data and previous studies appear to support the aforementioned hypotheses because the majority of CRT occurred within 3 weeks after insertion of PICCs. These data are consistent with results from a study of 1307 PICCs that suggested that a proper insertion technique decreased the incidence of thrombosis to 1.4 % [26]. Previously described risk factors for symptomatic CRT in cancer patients (e.g.…”

Limiting the Number of Lumens in Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters to Improve Outcomes and Reduce Cost: A Simulation Study

“…1 PICCs are versatile central venous catheters that enable tasks such as short-or long-term intravenous therapies, chemotherapy, and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. However, growing use of PICCs has also led to the realization that they are not without attendant risks.…”

Greece reports prototype intervention with first peripherally inserted central catheter: Case report and literature review

“…With these advances have come new logistical, environmental, and ergonomic challenges. 29 Due to the current financial circumstances in Greece, the effort to develop a new approach for the central venous access is quite difficult, and it would deteriorate if Greece does not have nongovernmental support as well as the personal efforts of health system professionals.…”

“…Although the cost currently is still higher than that of the simple central catheterization, that cost can be significantly reduced by the use of fewer luxury sets and more limited ancillary equipment involved, making PICCs a cost-effective procedure. 22 …”