ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the discomfort and factors influencing the discomfort of cancer patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a tertiary university-based hospital in Seoul in 2013. Subjects were eligible if patients were diagnosed with cancer and four weeks had passed since the PICC was inserted. Anxiety was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and discomfort was assessed with 8 questions developed through qualitative interviews and a literature review. Questions were about pain, interruption of daily activity or leisure, satisfaction, usefulness and feelings towards the PICC. RESULTS: Total 111 patients participated in the study. Over 75% of patients reported annoyance with PICC line. There was low positive correlation between discomfort due to PICC and anxiety. In anxious patients, patients discomfort was significantly higher than that of non-anxious patients. Significant factors influencing discomfort were gender, age, education level, PICC complications and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Patient engagement in selecting the type of catheter and individualized care considering the level of anxiety and patient demographics might help to reduce discomfort in cancer patients.