Use of a Central Venous Catheter from the Patient's Perspective and the Role of Nursing

Abstract

This study focuses on the cancer patient's perspective towards the presence of a central venous catheter in his/her body. The study's objectives were to identify the patient's experience in living with a central venous catheter in his/her body and to contribute to related nursing practice based on the observations. The methodology used the phenomenological approach, based on the thinking of Merleau-Ponty. After phenomenological reduction, the feelings identified were grouped into a single analytical category: security based on the comfort and relief provided by the catheter's presence, thereby easing treatment. The study's conclusions showed that cancer patients are convinced that use of the device favors their treatment, and that they seek to adapt to it.