Initiating a pediatric peripherally inserted central catheter and midline catheter program.

The lack of published literature specific to the pediatric population (1 month to 18 years) was a major deterrent to the initiation of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and midline catheter program in a 260-bed pediatric hospital. The intravenous team assumed responsibility for the program initiated by the physicians. The following challenges were encountered: administrative issues, insertion-related discomfort, adverse clinical reactions, equipment inadequacies, catheter maintenance, and staff education. To date, the i.v. team has successfully placed 84 catheters and concludes that the procedure is invaluable for pediatric patients requiring an extended course of i.v. therapy.