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

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 (χ 2 = 9.829, P < 0.05; χ 2 = 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.

Construction of core competence evaluation index system for intravenous therapy specialized nurses / 中华护理杂志

Objective To construct the core competence evaluation index system for intravenous therapy specialized nurses.Methods Using literature research,group discussion,and two-round Delphi expert consultation,the core competence evaluation index system for intravenous therapy specialized nurses was constructed.Results The response rates for two rounds of expert consultation were both 100％,authority coefficients were 0.93 and 0.94,and coordination coefficients at all levels ranged from 0.252 to 0.418.The core competence evaluation index system for intravenous therapy specialized nurses consisted of 8 first-class indexes,35 second-class indexes and 93 third-class indexes.Conclusion The enthusiasm,authority,concentration degree and coordination degree of experts were comparatively high.It can provide references for training,assessment,certification,utilization and management of intravenous therapy specialized nurses.