Impact of arm choice for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion on patients: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Arm choice for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion is often determined by PICC nurses.

Objectives: To explore the impact of arm choice (dominant or non-dominant) on the rate of catheter-related complications and degree of comfort in patients with PICCs.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: We used questionnaires and scales to collect 255 patients’ general information, catheter-related complications and comfort degree. They were divided into two groups (PICC inserted in the dominant or non-dominant arm).

Results: There were significant differences in the rate of PICC occlusion and insertion site bleeding (χ² = 9.829, P < 0.05; χ² = 6.502, P < 0.05), both were lower in the non-dominant group than in the dominant group. Patients in the non-dominant group had a higher degree of comfort (Z = −10.166, P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Inserting into non-dominant arms is related to the lower rate of catheter-related complications and higher degree of comfort for patients.

Impact statement: These findings provide practical evidence for nurses to make a better choice.

Keywords:

• catheterisation
• peripheral
• nursing
• vascular access devices
• cross-sectional studies

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the participants of this investigation and the other staff members for inputting data. This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province, China under Grant (2018JJ3774).

Supplemental data and research materials

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2020.1741417

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.