Knowledge regarding PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line care among primary caregivers of PICC line patients undergoing chemotherapy

Abstract

PICC lines are widely used for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Regardless of various benefits, poor maintenance can cause thrombosis, infections and multiple complications. The role of caregiver is to protect and maintain the patency of central line with early identification of warning signals to prevent complications. A descriptive study was conducted on 55 primary caregivers of PICC line patients to assess the knowledge of primary care givers regarding PICC line care with a view to develop an informational booklet on PICC line care at home in selected areas of tertiary care hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab. A self-structured questionnaire was prepared which was categorized into 4 sub-categories (general knowledge, care of PICC line, complications of PICC line, flushing PICC line) to assess the knowledge regarding PICC line care among primary caregivers. Data was collected using self-report (paper and pen technique) and observation method. Results revealed that majority (56.47%) of primary caregivers were having average knowledge followed by (38.18%) were having good knowledge while (5.35%) had below average knowledge related to PICC line care. The knowledge was found to be more in the category of general knowledge with mean (5.86±1.43) followed by care of PICC line (4.36±0.88) and complications of PICC line (2.98±1.23) and the least knowledge was found in the category of flushing of PICC line with mean (2.25±1.23). Hence it can be concluded that majority of primary caregivers were having average knowledge regarding PICC linecare, indicating the need to develop an informational booklet for caregivers to provide adequate PICC line care at home and prevent further complications.