Search

The aim of this study was to describe the experience of using a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in cancer sufferers receiving outpatient treatment” Parás-Bravo et al (2017).

Abstract:

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the experience of using a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in cancer sufferers receiving outpatient treatment.

[ctt link=”mFOa2″ template=”1″]ReTweet if useful… Oncology patients describe what it is like living with PICC line https://ctt.ec/mFOa2+ @ivteam #ivteam[/ctt]

METHODS: A qualitative, phenomenological study was performed. Purposeful sampling methods were used. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews and researcher field notes. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. The study was conducted following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.

RESULTS: Eighteen patients (61% women, mean age 58 years) participated. They spent a mean duration of 155 days with the line in place. Two themes were identified with different subgroups. The theme “Living with a PICC line,” including the subthemes “Benefits” and “Disadvantages,” displays how the implantation is experienced by patients in a dichotomous manner. This highlighted both the beneficial and negative aspects of the implantation. The second theme was “Adapting to life with the catheter” and comprised three subthemes: “Advantages,” “Lifestyle modifications,” and “Overall assessment of the peripherally inserted central catheter,” which shows how patients gradually accept the catheter by adapting their lifestyle.

CONCLUSIONS: Over time, most patients considered having a PICC line to be a positive experience that they would recommend to other patients, as they found that it did not alter their quality of life. These results can be applied in Oncology Units for developing specific protocols for patients.

Reference:

Parás-Bravo, P., Paz-Zulueta, M., Santibañez, M., Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., Herrero-Montes, M., Caso-Álvarez, V. and Palacios-Ceña, D. (2017) Living with a peripherally inserted central catheter: the perspective of cancer outpatients-a qualitative study. Supportive Care in Cancer. July 13th. [Epub ahead of print].

doi: 10.1007/s00520-017-3815-4.

Thank you to our partners for supporting IVTEAM
[slideshow_deploy id=’23788’]