Planning, implementation, and evaluation of a successful hospital-based peripherally inserted central catheter program.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) and extended catheters have become an acceptable norm within the medical community. In late 1991, the Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Fontana, California decided to take a serious look at these catheters. A task force led this project, developing a multiphased plan that began with raising awareness and moved on a continuum to full implementation. During 1992, more than 3,000 patients days were saved as a result of early referral to home care.