The practical effect of “standardized mode” in the construction of community venous catheter maintenance specialty nursing clinics

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of establishing standardized community-based venous catheter maintenance nursing clinics, leveraging the training resources and expertise of tertiary general hospitals and following specialized nursing protocols. Methods: This retrospective before–after study examined the implementation of a standardized peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) maintenance model across 45 community clinics in Shanghai. The intervention included structured training, supervision, and quality control led by a tertiary hospital vascular access nursing team. Clinical outcomes before (n = 831) and after (n = 984) the intervention were compared using statistical analysis. Results: After implementation, the incidence of PICC-related complications decreased significantly (from 7.82% to 0.71%, P < 0.001), missed maintenance appointments were reduced (from 2.78 to 0.88, P < 0.001), and patient satisfaction improved (from 69.33 ± 7.02 to 88.30 ± 6.92, P < 0.001). Moreover, patients experienced decreased travel time, transportation costs, and work absences. Conclusion: The standardized community-based PICC maintenance model significantly improved care quality, reduced complication rates, and enhanced patient experience. It offers a scalable framework for expanding specialist nursing services within primary care settings.