PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETER: REASONS FOR NON-ELECTIVE REMOVAL AND MONTHLY COST OF CONSUMPTION

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the non-elective removal of a peripherally inserted central catheter in a Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and to identify the mean monthly cost of the consumption of these catheters. Method: quantitative, retrospective study carried out in a public teaching and research hospital. The records related to 101 catheter insertions were descriptively analyzed in 2016. To help in the costing, the unit costs of the catheters were obtained from the Purchasing and Warehousing Sector of the hospital. Results: among the reasons for non-elective removal of 40 (100%) catheters, infection/sepsis (22.5%); obstructions (20.0%); and ruptures of the external portion of the catheter (20.0%) were highlighted. The cost of consumption of 110 catheters was US$12,915.67 and the mean monthly direct cost was US$1,291.57. Conclusion: to identify the reasons for non-elective removal of these catheters and the cost of their consumption can help the nurse in the decision-making process in relation to the rational and effective use of these devices.

Keywords

• Intensive care units
• Critical care nursing
• Vascular access devices
• Costs and cost analysis
• Pediatric Nursing