Measuring the Quality of Life Impact of Vascular Access Devices

Peripheral and central vascular access devices are vital in patient care, yet their impact on quality of life (QoL) remains underreported. This scoping review explored whether current tools effectively capture the patient experience.

Study Overview
The review examined 21 studies that used various PROMs (patient-reported outcome measures) in patients with PIVCs, midlines, and PICCs. The aim was to determine whether these instruments accurately reflect device-related burdens.

Key Findings

• Most studies used generic cancer or chronic illness QoL tools, not device-specific ones.
• Commonly reported issues included pain, interference with daily activities, and emotional distress.
• No validated QoL tool specific to vascular access was identified in the literature.

Conclusion
There’s a clear gap in tools that measure vascular access-specific quality of life. The study calls for the development and validation of PROMs that reflect the true impact of PIVCs and PICCs on patients’ daily lives.

Read more:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2445147925000396?via%3Dihub 

Authors: Saloa Unanue-Arza, Orlaith Hernon, Selene Lurueña-Rodríguez, Caitriona Duggan, Victoria Armenteros-Yeguas, Peter J. Carr