Ensuring Appropriate Use of Midline and PICC Catheters

Evidence shows that both midline catheters (peripheral intravenous devices) and single-lumen peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have lower rates of complications (e.g., central line–associated bloodstream infection and venous thromboembolism [VTE]) than multi-lumen PICCs. Despite the known risks of PICCs, interhospital variability in their use is substantial.

U.S. researchers performed an observational trial during 3 years at a single academic medical center to examine the effects of an embedded electronic health record (EHR) order, which guided providers to select the appropriate catheter based on indication and expected duration of use. Approximately 2300 catheters were placed in the 11-month preintervention period and nearly …