Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters: limits and possibilities

Abstract

The present study aimed at identifying limits and possibilities of expansion in the use of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC) in neonatal and pediatric units to other hospitalization units. It consists of an exploratory-descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data collection took place between August and September of 2010, through a semi-structured interview with ten nurses from a hospital located in Rio Grande do Sul. Data analysis resulted in two categories: limiting factors for the expansion in the use of PICCs – health professionals’ lack of technical knowledge, high cost of the procedure, confrontation of this technological innovation and specificity of this recourse – and facilitating factors for the expansion of the PICC, which were – benefits for the patient, decrease of stress for the team and optimization of work time. The authors concluded that the production of sound evidence regarding the use of PICCs may help professionals and institutions utilize this resource more effectively, bringing benefits to healthcare quality.

Descriptors: Pediatric Nursing; Neonatal Nursing; Catheterization, Central Venous.