Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Adult oncology patients’ experiences of living with a central venous catheter: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Supportive Care in Cancer Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

The incidence of cancer is increasing globally, and a greater number of patients will receive treatments though central vascular access devices (CVADs). Only a few qualitative studies describe the experience of adult oncology patients living with CVADs, and no systematic review of literature has been published on this topic. We therefore aimed to systematically synthesize the evidence of the qualitative studies on the experience of adult oncology patients with CVADs to report the implications of living with this device, and to inform healthcare professionals (HCPs) about problematic aspects of care for this population.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted on PUBMED, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, COCHRANE, and WEB OF SCIENCE, and was updated on May 25, 2021. Nine studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The evidence was synthesized using the meta-aggregation approach proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

Four themes emerged: During catheter implantation oncology patients typically experience reluctance, apprehension and acceptance; The nature of the information, knowledge transmission and HCPs’ competence all influence the patient’s confidence; How the presence of a catheter impacts the patient’s daily life, their self-perception and their social behavior; The catheter is a symbol of disease, a friend that helps prevent problems, and its removal is perceived as physical and psychological liberation.

Conclusion

This systematic review evidenced some problematic aspects related to patient information, education and device management, and gaps in nursing skills on handling the device. The results of this review should be used as a framework for improvement interventions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

Not applicable.

Code availability

Not applicable.

References

  1. WHO- IARC cancer tomorrow-https://gco.iarc.fr/tomorrow/en/dataviz/bars?mode=population. Accessed 15 May 2021

  2. Hofmarcher T, Lindgren P, Wilking N, Jonsson B (2020) The cost of cancer in Europe 2018. Eur J Cancer 129:41–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2020.01.011

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Mariotto AB, Enewold L, Zhao J, Zeruto CA, Yabroff KR (2020) Medical care costs associated with cancer survivorship in the United States. Cancer Epidem Biomar 29(7):1304–1312. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-19-1534

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Wilson BE, Jacob S, Yap ML, Ferlay J, Bray F, Barton MB (2019) Estimates of global chemotherapy demands and corresponding physician workforce requirements for 2018 and 2040: a population-based study. Lancet Oncol 20(6):769–780. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1470-2045(19)30163-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Kreidieh FY, Moukadem HA, El Saghir NS (2016) Overview, prevention and management of chemotherapy extravasation. World J Clin Oncol 7(1):87–97. https://doi.org/10.5306/wjco.v7.i1.87

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. Galloway M (2010) Insertion and placement of central catheters in the oncology patient. Semin Oncol Nurs 26(2):102–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2010.02.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Schiffer CA, Mangu PB, Wade JC, Camp-Sorrell D, Cope DG, El-Rayes BF, Gorman M, Ligibel J, Mansfield P, Levine M (2013) Central venous catheter care for the patient with cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline. J Clin Oncol 31:1357–1370. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2012.45.5733

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Patel GS, Jain K, Kumar R, Strickland AH, Pellegrini L, Slavotinek J, Eaton M, McLeay W, Price T, Ly M et al (2014) Comparison of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) versus subcutaneously implanted port-chamber catheters by complication and cost for patients receiving chemotherapy for non-haematological malignancies. Support Care Cancer 22:121–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-1941-1

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Chernecky C (2001) Satisfaction versus dissatisfaction with venous access devices in outpatient oncology: a pilot study. Oncol Nurs Forum 28(10):1613–1616

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Simonetti G, Sommariva A, Lusignani M, Anghileri E, Ricci CB, Eoli M, ... & Silvani A (2020) Prospective observational study on the complications and tolerability of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in neuro-oncological patients. Support Care Cancer 28(6): 2789-2795. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-05128-x

  11. Park JY, Lee DI (2020) Experience and satisfaction of cancer patients with a central venous catheter at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. J Infus Nurs 43(2):97–102. https://doi.org/10.1097/NAN.0000000000000360

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Burbridge B, Chan IY, Bryce R, Lim HJ, Stoneham G, Haggag H, Roh C (2016) Satisfaction and quality of life related to chemotherapy with an arm port: a pilot study. Can Assoc Radiol J 67(3):290–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carj.2015.11.007

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Central Venous Catheter Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/central-venous-catheter-market.html. Accessed 20 May 2021

  14. Lockwood C, Porrit K, Munn Z, Rittenmeyer L, Salmond S, Bjerrum M, Loveday H, Carrier J, Stannard D (2020) Chapter 2: Systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. In: Aromataris E, Munn Z (ed) JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. JBI. ISBN: 978–0–6488488–0–6. https://doi.org/10.46658/JBIMES-20-03

  15. Ritchie M, Kelly LJ, Moss J, Paul J, Shaw R (2015) Exploring attitudes towards a randomised controlled trial of venous access devices–a nested pre-trial qualitative study. J Vasc Access 16(5):407–412. https://doi.org/10.5301/jva.5000447

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Mutti C, Fumagalli A, Monni P, Rancati S, Rosi IM (2016) “Ti racconto della mia scatoletta”: studio fenomenologico sull’esperienza di vivere con un catetere venoso centrale totalmente impiantato. Assist Inferm Ric 35:180–186

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Parás-Bravo P, Paz-Zulueta M, Santibañez M, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Herrero-Montes M, Caso-Álvarez V, Palacios-Ceña D (2018) Living with a peripherally inserted central catheter: the perspective of cancer outpatients—a qualitative study. Support Care Cancer 26(2):441–449. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3815-4

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Sharp R, Grech C, Fielder A, Mikocka-Walus A, Cummings M, Esterman A (2014) The patient experience of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC): a qualitative descriptive study. Contemp Nurse 48(1):26–35. https://doi.org/10.5172/conu.2014.48.1.26

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Martins FTM, Carvalho EC (2008) Patients’ perception regarding the use of a long-term catheter. Rev Esc Enferm USP 42(3):526–531. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0080-62342008000300016

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Alpenberg S, Joelsson G, Rosengren K (2015) Feeling confident in using PICC lines: patients’ experiences of living with a PICC line during chemotherapy treatment. Home Health Care Manag Pract 27(3):119–125. https://doi.org/10.1177/1084822314566300

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Ryan C, Hesselgreaves H, Wu O, Moss J, Paul J, Dixon-Hughes J, Germeni E (2019) Patient acceptability of three different central venous access devices for the delivery of systemic anticancer therapy: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 9(7):e026077. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026077

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  22. Molloy D, Smith LN, Aitchison T (2008) Cytotoxic chemotherapy for incurable colorectal cancer: living with a PICC-line. J Clin Nurs 17(18):2398–2407. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02359.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Møller T, Adamsen L (2010) Hematologic patients’ clinical and psychosocial experiences with implanted long-term central venous catheter: self-management versus professionally controlled care. Cancer Nurs 33(6):426–435. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0b013e3181dc1908

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Stanton AL, Luecken LJ, MacKinnon DP, Thompson EH (2013) Mechanisms in psychosocial interventions for adults living with cancer: opportunity for integration of theory, research, and practice. J Consult Clin Psychol 81(2):318–335. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028833

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Bethesda, MD: PDQ® Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board (2019) PDQ Adjustment to Cancer. National Cancer Institute. Updated July 9, 2019. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/anxiety-distress-pdq. Accessed 31 May 2021

  26. Liberale G, El Houkayem M, Viste C, Bouazza F, Moreau M, El Nakadi I, Veys I (2016) Evaluation of the perceptions and cosmetic satisfaction of breast cancer patients undergoing totally implantable vascular access device (TIVAD) placement. Support Care Cancer 24(12):5035–5040. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3368-y

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Gallieni M, Pittiruti M, Biffi R (2008) Vascular access in oncology patients. CA Cancer J Clin 58(6):323–346. https://doi.org/10.3322/CA.2008.0015

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Wagner EH, Bowles EJA, Greene SM, Tuzzio L, Wiese CJ, Kirlin B, Clauser SB (2010) The quality of cancer patient experience: perspectives of patients, family members, providers and experts. Qual Saf Health Care 19(6):484–489. https://doi.org/10.1136/qshc.2010.042374

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Adler NE, Page AEK (ed) (2008) Cancer care for the whole patient: meeting psychosocial health needs. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Psychosocial Services to Cancer Patients/Families in a Community Setting Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US) ISBN-13: 978–0–309–11107–2

  30. Kvåle K, Synnes O (2013) Understanding cancer patients’ reflections on good nursing care in light of Antonovsky’s theory. Eur J Oncol Nurs 17(6):814–819. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2013.07.003

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Nailon RE, Rupp ME, Lyden E (2019) A day in the life of a CVAD. J Infus Nurs 42(3):125–131. https://doi.org/10.1097/NAN.0000000000000321

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Oakley C, Wright E, Ream E (2000) The experiences of patients and nurses with a nurse-led peripherally inserted central venous catheter line service. Eur J Oncol Nurs 4(4):207–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0959-8049(99)80579-6

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Falder-Saeed K, McClain K, Patton L, Langford M, Marusich J, Flom L (2016) Teaming up to take down community-acquired bloodstream infections: a program aimed at educating and training nurses in the community. J Assoc Vasc Access 21(4):217–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.java.2016.05.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Fingeret MC, Teo I, Epner DE (2014) Managing body image difficulties of adult cancer patients: lessons from available research. Cancer 120(5):633–641. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.28469

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Szalai M, Szirmai A, Füge K, Makai A, Erdélyi G, Prémusz V, Bódis J (2017) Special aspects of social support: qualitative analysis of oncologic rehabilitation through a belly dancing peer support group. Eur J Cancer Care 26(6):e12656. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.12656

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Taylor SE, Falke RL, Shoptaw SJ, Lichtman RR (1986) Social support, support groups, and the cancer patient. J Consult Clin Psychol 54(5):608–615. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.54.5.608

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Vos MS, De Haes JCJM (2007) Denial in cancer patients, an explorative review. Psychooncology 16(1):12–25. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.1051

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Smith MY, Redd WH, Peyser C, Vogl D (1999) Post-traumatic stress disorder in cancer: a review. Psychooncology 8(6):521–537. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1611(199911/12)8:6%3c521::AID-PON423%3e3.0.CO;2-X

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Tang TT, Liu L, Li CX, Li YT, Zhou T, Li HP, Wang J (2019) Which is better for patients with breast cancer: totally implanted vascular access devices (TIVAD) or peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)? World J Surg 43(9):2245–2249. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-019-05022-x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Goltz JP, Petritsch B, Kirchner J, Hahn D, Kickuth R (2013) Percutaneous image-guided implantation of totally implantable venous access ports in the forearm or the chest? A patients’ point of view. Support Care Cancer 21(2):505–510. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1544-2

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing Innovation and Development, Campus Bio-Medico of Rome University Hospital, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy

    Dhurata Ivziku

  2. Department of Health Professions, Campus Bio-Medico of Rome University Hospital, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy

    Raffaella Gualandi & Daniela Tartaglini

  3. Rome, Italy

    Francesca Pesce

  4. Department of Clinical affairs, Campus Bio-Medico of Rome University Hospital, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy

    Anna De Benedictis

Authors
  1. Dhurata Ivziku
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Raffaella Gualandi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Francesca Pesce
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Anna De Benedictis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Daniela Tartaglini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

All the following authors are entitled to authorship of the article and meet the criteria for authorship, in particular:

– Dhurata Ivziku, PhD was responsible for the conception and design of the study, acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data and drafted the manuscript;

– Raffaella Gualandi, PhD, contributed to the data analysis and interpretation, and critically reviewed the manuscript;

– Francesca Pesce, RN, contributed to data acquisition and analysis and drafted the manuscript;

– Anna De Benedictis, PhD, contributed to the data interpretation, and critically reviewed the manuscript

– Daniela Tartaglini, Associate Professor, contributed the data interpretation, and critically reviewed the manuscript for important intellectual content.

– Idea for the article: DI and FP

– Literature search: DI and FP

– Data analysis: DI, RG, ADB, and FP

– Drafted the work: DI, RG, FP, ADB, and DT

– Critically revised the work: DI, RG, FP, ADB, and DT

All the presenting authors approved the final version of the manuscript and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work. The manuscript has been professionally proofread.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dhurata Ivziku.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval

Not applicable.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests. All authors completed a copy of the ICMJE Conflict of Interest form.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOCX 18.2 KB)

Supplementary file2 (DOCX 17.1 KB)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ivziku, D., Gualandi, R., Pesce, F. et al. Adult oncology patients’ experiences of living with a central venous catheter: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. Support Care Cancer 30, 3773–3791 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-06819-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-06819-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation