Patient experiences with peripherally inserted venous catheters- A cross-sectional, multicentre study in Norway.

AIM

To investigate patient experiences with peripherally inserted venous catheters, namely PICC lines and Midlines, as well as the influence of socio-demographic variables, length of stay, comorbidity and complications on these experiences.

DESIGN

The study had a descriptive, multicentre, cross-sectional design.

METHODS

We used a questionnaire to investigate patient experiences ( = 359).

RESULTS

Patients experiences were not optimal on each of the items in the questionnaire. Nevertheless, few respondents would have preferred a traditional peripheral venous catheter instead. Moreover, free-text answers indicated that patients were very satisfied with their catheter. Results also indicate that the hospitals have different approach when selecting a PICC line or a Midline as route of choice. The only factor associated with patient experiences was "complications."

CONCLUSION

Even though patients reported of several disadvantages with the PICC line/Midline, findings indicate that they would have chosen this again. PICC lines and Midlines are beneficial from the patients' perspective, even though they have disadvantages.