From time-to-time patients requiring regular infusions through a long standing IV or PICC line are being managed through general practice teams, particularly in rural areas. Healthcare logistics are warning of a small increase in reported leakage from some brands of PICC line. It is timely to remember the potential complications of what can appear to be stable and well-established medical devices.
PICC lines can become infected, move out of position, leak, kink or otherwise mechanically fail, cause inflammation phelbitis and thrombosis, bleed and be associated with allergic reactions both of the line and the infusion. Infusion technique needs to be sterile and avoid air embolism.
If in doubt seek advice from the MDT who will be involved in the patient's care.
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View detailsGPs in each of our districts get frustrated when they hit barriers when seeking interventions from other providers. There is a perception that DHB services are becoming more difficult to access and that different DHBs have different levels of service available to their communities. This page outlines our process for advocating alongside practices.