Parent satisfaction with education, support, and decision-making regarding their children's central venous access devices.

Abstract

This descriptive, exploratory study assessed parents' satisfaction with the education and support they received before and after their children had central venous access devices (CVADs) inserted for cancer treatment. Decisions regarding the type of CVAD and parent satisfaction with that choice were also evaluated. Parents of children who experienced a CVAD during the six-year period 1992-1997 participated. Data were collected through telephone interviews using a questionnaire specifically designed for the purposes of the study. Results suggest that parents were satisfied with the teaching and support received both prior to and following CVAD insertion. Other findings reveal that not all parents take part in decisions about the type of device used, and that if given a choice, based on their experience, they would likely choose implanted ports over Hickman catheters.