RNNarrative ReviewNursing in critical care2025

The Modern Role of Neonatal PICCs Subspecialty.

Matheus Van Rens, Matthew Ostroff, Mohammad A A Bayoumi

PMID 40611458

WHAT IT FOUND

Nurses are central to neonatal PICC insertion, dressing changes, flushing and early complication checks.

This review summarises protocols and ethical duties; it does not test whether they improve outcomes.

Key findings

01Accidental dislodgement, phlebitis and catheter-related bloodstream infection are the most commonly reported maintenance complications, with rates of 20%–50%, 2.8%–12% and 0.76%–4.7% respectively.

02The article presents nurse-led specialised vascular access teams, structured simulation training and standardised aseptic protocols as recommended neonatal PICC practices.

03Parents or caregivers should receive comprehensive information about risks, benefits and alternatives before neonatal PICC insertion, and trainee privileging should follow a stepwise pathway to protect patient safety.

STILL TO COME

How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs

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What it does not show

The review selected key studies rather than a full systematic search and appraisal. Much of the guidance is expert recommendation rather than directly tested intervention effect. The supplied text does not include the full methods or results of the cited studies. It searched only English-language articles and may miss relevant non-English neonatal PICC evidence.

The easy way to misread this

Do not read this as proof that nurse-led PICC protocols reduce infections or dislodgement. It is a narrative review of selected studies and expert recommendations, not a trial of those practices.

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