Godelieve A. Goossens, PhD, RN: No financial relationships to disclose
This presentation will address the results of a survey conducted with 100 patients with Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices (TIVADs), also known as ports. TIVADs are well-accepted and offer patients greater freedom compared to other venous access devices. However, they may also cause physical and psychological stress. The survey was administered to patients at the time of their TIVAD removal, provided the device had not been used for at least one year. Participants completed a self-developed questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. The closed questions assessed the impact of the TIVAD on daily and professional activities, emotional and psychosocial effects, and their perception of the implantation area. The open-ended questions focused on the maintenance period, allowing for a more detailed exploration of patients' experiences. Additionally, the survey assessed pain levels during TIVAD insertion and removal, as well as overall satisfaction with the device.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the impact of TIVADs on patient-reported outcomes (PROs): Attendees will learn how TIVADs influence patients' daily activities, emotional well-being, and professional lives, and their perception of the implantation area.
Analyze and compare diagnostic strategies (CINAS classification, Vacutainer Filling Time, linogram, and macroscopic inspection) for assessing TIVAD functionality and complications at removal
Understand the PROM methodology: Attendees will gain an insight of how PROs are measured and how this methodology can be applied to other devices like PICCs and tunneled catheters.
Identify the impact of the often-overlooked maintenance phase: attendees will discover how patients perceive regular maintenance and the impact of the healthcare worker providing the maintenance.
