Central Vascular Access Device Complications in Pediatric Home Care Patients Managed by Family Caregivers or Nurses

Abstract

There is a paucity of data regarding complications and outcomes of central vascular access devices (CVADs) in pediatric home care patients. Unlike hospital and clinic settings, home care patients commonly receive catheter care and accesses by family caregivers rather than nurses. This 2-year prospective study compared complications and outcomes of 222 CVADs managed by nurses or family caregivers. CVADs were followed for skin complications at insertion site, catheter complications, central line–associated bloodstream infection occurrences, and the outcome of dysfunctional catheters treated with alteplase. Results showed no differences in any CVAD complications, whether access and care were primarily performed by trained family caregivers or nurses.