I am new to this list server, but our department has several issues with noncompliance of patients. Our particular concern is with the safety of placing PICC lines in pts with current hx of IV drug use. Our department not only is responsible for placing the PICC line, but coordinating IV administration for home care patients. We had a couple of situation arise where these types of pts had a PICC line placed and then were discharged to home on IV abx. In one case the pt left and we never heard from him again, and in the other the pt was brought to our ER with a drug overdose ( the syringe was still attached to his PICC line). I have expressed my concerns to the physicians but this leads to an ethical discussion on pts right to treatment.
Can anyone tell me what types of policies or procedures their facilities use, or suggestions to outline criteria for PICC lines and home IV therapy in pts with IV drug history?
Cheryl Gordon, RN, BSN, CRNI
IV Therapy
Kansas City VA Medical Center
