Feeling Confident in Using PICC Lines

Abstract

Treatments involving chemotherapy require central venous access, such as a Peripherally Inserted Central (PICC) line. The aim of the study was to describe patients’ experiences of living with a PICC line during chemotherapy treatment. The study comprised interviews with 10 patients and was analyzed using manifest qualitative content analysis. The categories The importance of security, The importance of contentedness, and Feeling confident in using the PICC line were identified. To contribute to patient safety and empowerment in health care, nurses must be well trained in PICC line care. Therefore, evidence-based knowledge about central venous access is necessary for patients’ security and contentedness and to improve quality of care and increase patients’ well-being in central venous access care activities in the future.