Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: 05 Apr 2022

‘Pinholes in my arms’: the vicious cycle of vascular access

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Page Range: 55 – 62
DOI: 10.2309/1557-1289-27.1.55
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ABSTRACT

Background

Vascular access devices (VADs) are essential for delivery of intravenous therapies. There are notable gaps in the literature regarding a focus on patient experience and meaning-making related to living with a VAD, specifically a central venous access device (CVAD).

Aims

To explore how patients make sense of living with a CVAD.

Methods

This study followed an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach. Purposive sampling was used to identify 11 cancer patients who had a CVAD in situ. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were performed. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed by the lead author.

Findings

Four superordinate themes were identified: the self under attack; being rescued/being robbed; protection of others/protection of self; bewilderment and dismay at lack of staff competence.

Conclusion

Having a CVAD affects the psychological, social, and personal self and impacts on self-esteem and self-image. Despite this, CVADs are accepted by patients and are eventually ‘embodied’ by them.

Keywords: Central venous access devices; Patient experience; Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC); Tunneled central venous catheter; Totally implanted vascular access device
Copyright: Copyright © 2022 Association for Vascular Access. All rights reserved.
Figure 1.
Figure 1.

The vicious cycle of vascular access

Accepted: 01 Apr 2021
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