Satisfaction versus dissatisfaction with venous access devices in outpatient oncology: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine outpatient oncology satisfaction/dissatisfaction with venous access devices (VADs), identify positive and negative experiences, and determine their overall effect on quality of life.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Outpatient oncology clinic in the United States.


METHODS
Convenience sample of 24 patients who had a VAD and were receiving outpatient chemotherapy treatments.


METHODS
Consecutive patients meeting study criteria were invited to complete a two-page questionnaire during their clinic visit.


METHODS
VAD, satisfaction, dissatisfaction, quality of life.


RESULTS
Patients were extremely happy with VADs. The top three benefits were (a) decreased pain compared to venipuncture, (b) the need for fewer needlesticks, and (c) quicker blood draws for laboratory analysis. Negative experiences were infrequent, but 29% of subjects cited monthly heparinization, sleep disturbances, and site soreness following chemotherapy treatments. Overall, 92% stated that the VAD had improved their quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Chemotherapy outpatients were extremely happy with their VAD, found many benefits, and stated that it improved their quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses need to support the use of VADs early with patients receiving multiple chemotherapy treatments on an outpatient basis. Research and education need to continue regarding heparinization and discuss interventions to reduce site soreness and sleep disturbances.
Chernecky
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Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, USA. cchernek@mail.mcg.edu
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000592:standards; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000523:psychology; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018962:Phlebotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014680:Veins
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents