Preparation of Patients for Central Venous Catheter Care in the Home: Perspectives From Health Care Personnel

Abstract

Patients managing central venous catheters (CVCs) outside of hospitals need training in CVC care. Using 3 focus groups, the study identified themes in how health care personnel (HCP) prepare patients and their caregivers for CVC care at home. Four major themes and 25 nested subthemes were identified: (1) providing the right amount of education at the right time, (2) tailoring education to patient needs, (3) developing patient education tools, and (4) managing differences in recommendations to patients. HCPs in the study ensured patients and caregivers learn what they need to know when they need to know it, using appropriate patient education tools. Patients and caregivers are largely responsible for CVC care and central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention outside of acute care hospitals and long-term care settings, and HCP take seriously their obligation to provide them with appropriate education and tools to best enhance their ability to keep themselves safe.