Objective: To explore patient experiences related to PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters) lines.
Approach: This study utilized an exploratory design, employing questionnaires to examine patient experiences with the PICC line (N=15).
Findings: Patients reported positive experiences across all items on the questionnaire. However, a small number of respondents expressed a preference for a traditional peripheral venous catheter instead when in short term use. Additionally, open-ended responses indicated high levels of satisfaction among patients regarding their catheter. The findings also suggest that hospitals have varying strategies when choosing between a PICC line or a Midline as the preferred access route. The sole factor linked to patient experiences was “complications”.
Summary: Despite patients expressing some concerns about the catheter, the results suggest they would opt for it again. These results provide valuable insights that should be included in initiatives aimed at quality improvement. It is important for nurses to engage patients in the process of clinical decision-making and offer personalized information and support to help them adjust to living with a PICC. Future research should concentrate on the relationship between complications or disadvantages and patient satisfaction, as well as on the process of shared decision-making when determining the access route.