Introduction du PICC-Line au sein d'un centre hospitalo-universitaire: Bilan après deux ans d'expérience

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC-Line) is indicated in patients requiring venous access for more than six days and can remain in place several months. Thanks to its ease of placement and removal, it represents an attractive alternative to implant subcutaneous ports due to an easy insertion and removal. Nevertheless, its use can be associated with mechanical complications, thrombosis or infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adverse events recorded during the two years following its introduction and to define the relevant information to be given to the patients about this medical device. A prospective observational study was carried out to collect the adverse events associated with PICC-Lines. Two questionnaires, one intended for the nursing staff and the other one for the patients, were used to determine the information given to patients with PICC-Lines. One hundred and fifteen PICC-Lines were inserted in 84 patients and 121 complications were reported (33.4/1,000 catheter-days). The most common were occlusions (11.3/1,000 catheter-day), accidental removals (6.3/1,000 catheter-day) and infections (5.2/1,000 catheter-day). The information given to patients were heterogeneous and mainly focused on indications (85% of patients) and advantages of this medical device (75%). Informing the healthcare professionals and patients is essential when a new medical device is introduced in hospitals. This paper suggests that collaborative practice among health professionals and the development of pharmaceutical interviews is likely to decrease the rates of PICC-Line associated complications.