Many variables impact on the choice to implant a totally implantable long-term central venous catheter’s (Port), in spite of its proven efficacy. The patients’ perception is pivotal, and only few qualitative studies dig deep into patients’ feelings and experiences” Mutti et al (2016).
Abstract;
INTRODUCTION: Many variables impact on the choice to implant a totally implantable long-term central venous catheter’s (Port), in spite of its proven efficacy. The patients’ perception is pivotal, and only few qualitative studies dig deep into patients’ feelings and experiences.
AIMS: To understand if, and how, the Port affects the patient’s life.
[ctt link=”e0XzA” template=”1″]ReTweet if useful… What is the patient lived experience of implantable vascular access port? https://ctt.ec/e0XzA+ @ivteam #ivteam[/ctt]
METHODS: Qualitative phenomenological study based on semi-structured interviews on a convenience sample of patients implanted a Port, selected in an oncohematology Day Hospital in Milan. The analysis was carried out by three researchers with a phenomenological method.
RESULTS: Four main themes, and sub-themes, emerged from twenty interviews. Relief, both physical and psychological; the process of the choice of inserting the Port and the importance of thinking about its positioning since the beginning of the treatment course; the symbol- the device reminds of the disease and its removal is of utmost importance; the technology progresses- the need of trust in the health care personnel and in their competences.
CONCLUSIONS: The Port improved the patients’ quality of life. The study allows some reflections on the need of considering the actual and future conditions of the patient to make a shared and informed choice.
Reference:
Mutti, C., Fumagalli, A., Monni, P., Rancati, S. and Rosi, I.M. (2016) “Let me tell you about my little box”: phenomenological study on the experience of living with a totally implantable central venous catheter. Assistenza Infermieristica e Ricerca. 35(4), p.180-186. [Article in Italian].
doi: 10.1702/2621.26951.
Thank you to our partners for supporting IVTEAM
[slideshow_deploy id=’23788’]