Care and management of children with a totally implanted central venous access device: portacath
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Research and advances in technology have enabled children and young people with life-limiting conditions to live longer. To maintain their well-being and quality of life many of these children usually require some form of intravenous access for treatment.
Children’s nurses should have the skills and training to ensure they are competent to practise using totally implanted central venous access devices such as portacaths (ports). This article addresses the care and management of these ports in children and the wide variation in practice that exists in the UK, and makes recommendations for practice.
Who is this resource for?
Explains what the component is for
This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.
Why you should read this article
to understand the reasons for port insertion
to understand the importance of port placement
to understand the importance of preoperative preparation and providing information to parents and children
to learn more about post-operative care
to learn more about what actions to take if there are complications with a port.
