A Theory-based Intervention to Improve Nurses' Knowledge, Self-efficacy, and Skills to Reduce PICC Occlusion

The peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is an effective intermediate and long-term central vascular access device. Its functions are comparable with those of other percutaneously placed central venous catheters. However, its high occlusion rate and the consequent infection risk may disrupt therapy for patients. The primary investigator in this study developed an educational intervention based on Albert Bandura's social learning theory, and hypothesized that increasing nurses' knowledge and self-efficacy related to PICCs would have a positive impact on patient outcomes related to occlusion and infection rates. The study outcome showed an overall increase in nurses' knowledge and self-efficacy related to PICC care, and a significant reduction in the catheter occlusion rate, from 29% to 8.5%, over a 6-month period.