["Let me tell you about my little box": phenomenological study on the experience of living with a totally implantable central venous catheter].
. "Let me tell you about my little box": phenomenological study on the experience of living with a totally implantable central venous catheter.


BACKGROUND
Many variables impact on the choice to implant a totally implantable long-term central venous catheter's (Port), in spite of its proven efficacy. The patients' perception is pivotal, and only few qualitative studies dig deep into patients' feelings and experiences.


OBJECTIVE
To understand if, and how, the Port affects the patient's life.


METHODS
Qualitative phenomenological study based on semi-structured interviews on a convenience sample of patients implanted a Port, selected in an oncohematology Day Hospital in Milan. The analysis was carried out by three researchers with a phenomenological method.


RESULTS
Four main themes, and sub-themes, emerged from twenty interviews. Relief, both physical and psychological; the process of the choice of inserting the Port and the importance of thinking about its positioning since the beginning of the treatment course; the symbol- the device reminds of the disease and its removal is of utmost importance; the technology progresses- the need of trust in the health care personnel and in their competences.


CONCLUSIONS
The Port improved the patients' quality of life. The study allows some reflections on the need of considering the actual and future conditions of the patient to make a shared and informed choice.
Carolina
C
Mutti
Anna
A
Fumagalli
Pierina
P
Monni
Stefania
S
Rancati
Ivana Maria
IM
Rosi
D001294:Attitude to Health; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D062905:Central Venous Catheters; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life