Home Intravenous Therapy: Safety and Venous Catheter Management

Home intravenous therapy is increasingly widespread: intravenous antibiotics for complex infections, nutritional support therapy, hydration and pain management using elastomeric pumps. It allows hospital admission to be avoided or shortened, but requires specific nursing skills and strict safety protocols.

Types of venous access usable at home

Peripheral venous access is suitable for short courses of therapy. For longer treatment, a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), midline catheter or port-a-cath is used. The choice depends on the expected duration of treatment and the characteristics of the medicine and the patient. The nurse is responsible for managing and monitoring venous access.

Preventing complications: CLABSI and thrombosis

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and catheter-associated venous thrombosis are the most serious complications. Prevention relies on strict aseptic technique during maintenance, regular dressings with inspection of the insertion-site skin, flushing with saline and heparin, and prompt removal when no longer needed.

Patient and family education

Patients and family members must be trained in what to watch for (pain, swelling, redness, fever), what to do and what not to do with the catheter. Appropriate education increases safety during periods without the professional present and reduces avoidable complications.