PICC dislodgement has clinical and economic consequences that can include time-consuming restarts, further invasive procedures, and delays in treatment.
A survey showed that >95% of over 1,500 clinicians across the United States considered IV dislodgement a patient safety risk. Nancy Moreau, PhD, RN, CRNI, CPUI, VA-BC, of PICC Excellence conducted this survey.
This survey subsequently revealed that accidental dislodgement occurred “often,” “daily,” or “multiple times daily” for 68% of the 1,561 clinicians surveyed. In 65% of cases, loose IV catheter tape or securement was an issue.
“PICC dislodgement certainly has a huge impact on patient care,” said Leigh Ann Bowe-Geddes, BSN, RN, CRNI, VA-BC, a vascular access specialist at the University of Louisville Hospital and past president of the Association for Vascular Access (AVA). “Any incidence of dislodgement means patients experience an interruption in necessary treatment, as well as greater stress and anxiety with the need to re-establish IV access. Dr. Moureau’s study shows there is a clear need within the vascular access community to better address this issue.”
PICC Excellence is an in-person and online-based vascular access education and training service for clinicians. Nancy Moureau is an international expert in vascular access education and training. She is also widely published in the medical literature. This includes recent guidelines that define appropriate indications for PICC insertion, maintenance, and care.
The Journal of the Association for Vascular Access (JAVA) has published results of the survey in their latest issue.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1552885518300734