Nurses’ knowledge of the management of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction: A descriptive phenomenological study

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to describe and understand nurses’ knowledge of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction management in developing countries. This research aims to identify the reasons why nurses lack knowledge of the management of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction and do not use the drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction management techniques recommended by the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. Methods: The descriptive phenomenological method was used to investigate nurses’ knowledge of the management of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 17 nurses from three hospitals in northeast China were used in this qualitative study. Data collection and analysis were conducted simultaneously during the research. Nvivo software 12.0 was used to organize and code the data, and Colaizzi’s seven phases of data analysis were used to form themes. Findings: The findings showed that there is inconsistency in nurses’ knowledge of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction and its management, and we suggest reasons for this phenomenon. Conclusion: This research has shown that inconsistent practice in the management of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction is a more complex issue than originally thought. These inconsistencies are related to time pressure on nurses, nurses’ knowledge of peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction, and limitations of the clinical work model.