| Summary: | Introduction: Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) are commonly used in medium or long-term infusion therapy. This study aims to assess the costs associated with PICCs and its determinants.
Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with PICCs inserted at the Hospital for Sick Children between Jan.1, 2008 and Dec.31, 2008, were reviewed and followed until their PICCs were removed. Cost analysis, theoretical cost comparison with peripheral intravenous therapy (PIV), and multiple linear regressions were applied from the societal perspective.
Findings: The average total cost is $2763.75/catheter/day, including inpatient ward cost. Age, male, ward, home care, catheter dwell days, and complications were found to be significant factors influencing the total cost. PICCs can become a cost saving device, compared to PIV, but is affected by several factors.
Conclusion: Information gleaned from this study will inform decision makers maximizing the benefits of better resource allocation.
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