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Hospitalist experiences, practice, opinions, and knowledge regarding peripherally inserted central catheters: results of a national survey.

Chopra V, Kuhn L, Flanders SA, Saint S, Krein SL. Hospitalist experiences, practice, opinions, and knowledge regarding peripherally inserted central catheters: results of a national survey. Journal of hospital medicine. 2013 Nov 1; 8(11):635-8.

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: A Michigan survey found variation in hospitalist-reported experience, practice, opinions, and knowledge related to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Whether these findings reflect a national trend is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate self-reported PICC practice among adult hospitalists in the United States. METHODS: Society of Hospital Medicine-administered, anonymous, Web-based survey of practicing, adult, non-Michigan hospitalists. RESULTS: Of the 2112 hospitalists who were sent an electronic invitation, 381 completed the online survey (18%). Eighty-six percent of hospitalists reported having placed a PICC solely for venous access (vs specific indications such as long-term antibiotics or parenteral nutrition). Eighty-two percent reported having cared for a patient who specifically requested a PICC. Only 25% of hospitalists reported examining PICCs for evidence of external problems, whereas 57% admitted to having, at least once, forgotten about the presence of a PICC. Only 9% of respondents knew that PICC tip verification was performed primarily to prevent venous thromboembolism. Finally, 42% of participants indicated that 10% to 25% of PICCs placed in their hospitals might be inappropriately placed and/or avoidable. CONCLUSIONS: This national survey highlights several potential opportunities to improve hospitalist PICC practices. A research agenda dedicated to this issue is necessary to improve patient safety and hospital-based practice.




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