Nurse-Led Service in Paediatric Vascular Access

What is it about?

The document is about the experience of establishing a nurse-led paediatric peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) service at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London. It details the process, training, trial phase, and interim service phase of setting up this service, which aims to provide appropriate vascular access for paediatric patients. ​ The document discusses the benefits of PICC lines over peripheral venous catheters, the procedural steps for PICC insertion, and the challenges and successes encountered in implementing the service. ​ It also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and the future plans for expanding the service. ​

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Photo by Maxim Tolchinskiy on Unsplash

Photo by Maxim Tolchinskiy on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The establishment of a nurse-led paediatric PICC service is important for several reasons: 1. Improved Patient Care: PICC lines provide long-term vascular access, which is crucial for children with difficult vascular access, clinical instability, or complex infusion regimens. ​ This reduces the need for multiple peripheral venous catheter (PVC) insertions, minimising pain and discomfort for young patients. ​ 2. Efficiency and Timeliness: The service ensures that children receive the right line at the right time, facilitating timely treatment and potentially quicker discharge from the hospital. ​ This can free up valuable hospital beds and allow for continued treatment at home. ​ 3. Specialised Expertise: A nurse-led service leverages the specialised training and skills of nurses in PICC insertion, ensuring high standards of care and reducing the burden on medical staff. ​ 4. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The service promotes collaboration among various healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, radiologists, and play specialists, to provide comprehensive care tailored to the needs of paediatric patients. ​ 5. Positive Outcomes: By reducing the number of vascular access attempts and associated complications, the service enhances the overall patient and family experience, leading to better health outcomes and satisfaction. ​ 6. Foundation for Future Expansion: The success of the service lays the groundwork for further research, development, and potential expansion, including the establishment of a dedicated paediatric vascular access team. ​

Perspectives