Effectiveness of a Modified Measurement of the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter in Newborns: A Randomized Study

Highlights

• Innovative measurement of the peripherally inserted central catheter in newborns.

• Better efficiency in positioning the peripherally inserted central catheter.

• Innovation in the approach to usual nursing procedures for newborns.

• Reduction of risks and patient safety in neonatal intensive care.

Abstract

Introduction: The measurement recommended in literature for a peripherally inserted central catheter presents considerable rates of poor positioning in the neonatal population.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the modified measurement method for a peripherally inserted central catheter in newborns, with respect to the positioning of the catheter tip.

Method: A randomized clinical trial, conducted in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in south Brazil. The sample comprised the number of catheter insertion procedures in newborns, being randomized in the control group by applying the traditional measure and in the experimental group by applying a modified measure. The sample included 155 procedures, with 88 procedures included in data analysis. The data collection period was from September 2018 to September 2019.

Results: The group-related variable was considered a risk factor for tip location. The control group was 28.87 times more likely to have the tip’s initial location peripheral than the experimental group, and 44.80 times more likely that the location would be intracardiac than in the experimental group.

Conclusions: The modified measurement method proved to be more effective for the central location of the tip. The need for new assessments of this method in future research studies is highlighted.