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Implementing a Multidisciplinary Review Process to Significantly Reduce Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Utilization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2026

Jessica Gamboa
Affiliation:
Infection Prevention and Management Associates
Bency Lukose
Affiliation:
HCA Healthcare
Musaddiq Waheed
Affiliation:
HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast

Abstract

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Background Catheter associated bloodstream infections (CABSIs) remain a preventable healthcare-associated infection, with prolonged central venous catheterization posing a significant risk. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are increasingly used in hospitalized patients due to convenience and a lower infection risk compared with nontunneled central venous catheters. Despite their benefits, PICCs are associated with complications, including thrombosis, phlebitis, infiltration and CABSI. Complications can delay treatment, prolong hospitalization and increase financial burden on healthcare facilities. Ensuring appropriate PICC use and considering less invasive alternatives can reduce patient harm and healthcare costs. Methods From May to October 2024, infection prevention team identified sustained high utilization of PICCs in the adult inpatient units. The infection prevention team organized and conducted a multidisciplinary meeting with the PICC team, Dietary, Pharmacy, and Nursing partners to identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary PICC use. Lack of a formal review for PICC insertion appropriateness and limited assessment of PICCs present on arrival were identified as main opportunities. In October 2024, the team implemented standardized review for all PICC indications and PICC line insertion request. The intervention included a multidisciplinary evaluation of all PICC lines. The review included daily assessment of PICC necessity, potential for device de-escalation and removal, and review of medication and parenteral nutrition orders for potential transition to formulations compatible with midlines or other lower risk access devices. Daily huddles facilitated communication regarding line necessity and escalation of barriers. Results Hospital-wide central venous catheter (CVC) utilization decreased 15.5% from a standard utilization ratio (SUR) of 0.653 in the baseline period, to 0.552 in the 6-month post-implementation period (p-value < 0 .001). Decreased CVC utilization was sustained with a SUR of 0.527 through November 2025. Furthermore, PICC Utilization decreased 52.5% from a utilization ratio of 0.016 to 0.0074. Conclusion PICC lines were frequently overutilized, contributing to unnecessary exposure to central venous access risks. Key opportunities included expanding midline use for short-duration therapies and peripheral administration of appropriate parenteral nutrition formulations. Implementation of a multidisciplinary PICC review process significantly reduced PICC utilization and decreased potential CABSI risk.

A line graph showing PICC utilization ratio over time with an intervention point.

Information

Type
Quality Improvement
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America