Hi all
I need to speak to the efficiency of our PICC "team". I always try to fit in the statement that a PICC is a planned procedure though almost all piccs ordered are placed the same day. Does the statement that the time line to placement being within 24 hours of receipt of order still apply to most places?? Would that be considered a standard of care? Of course there are urgent orders that do take priority and that may sometimes bump people off of the list who are non-urgent. They also are wanting weekend coverage which is not the usual (IR being available) in this neck of the woods. Appreciate your input.
We do about the same as you describe. Most are placed on the same day and we frequently triage to "bump" patients with the most acute need.
We don't currently have weekend coverage, so those requests may be longer than 24 hours to insertion in our current staffing model. In the near future, however, we will have weekend coverage and will still have priority setting for who is done first. Our IR doesn't come in on weekends for PICCs, because they also believe that it should be a planned procedure and not an emergent procedure. We have so few referred to IR that we are the best option, even on weekends. Success has its price, doesn't it?
I would be interested in others comments about it being a "standard of care" to insert within 24 hours.
Gwen Irwin
Austin, Texas
I need some updated information on this topic. I was recently told that there is a National Standard that PICC's are placed within 2-4 hours of order. Can anyone direct me to this Standard?
I would expect the person stating this new "standard" to procedure it and not expect you to go looking for it. Chances are they can not come up with anything in writing. I know it has not come from INS or AVA. I think each team should strive for the fastest turnaround time but I think that will vary depending upon many variables. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861