The incidence and risk factors of unplanned removal of peripherally inserted central catheters among adult patients: A multi‐centre cohort study

Abstract Aims and Objectives (i) To estimate the national incidence of unplanned removal of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in China. (ii) To explore the associated risk factors to provide evidence for the prevention. Design A multi‐centre prospective cohort study. Methods A representative sample of 3222 Chinese adult patients with successful PICC insertion was recruited for the PICC Safety Management Research (PATH) using a two‐stage cluster sampling method from December 2020 to June 2022. Sixty hospitals from seven Chinese provinces representing all geographical regions were selected. Demographic information and PICC characteristics were collected using a standard online case report form. Risk factors for the unplanned removal of PICCs were assessed using a cause‐specific hazard model and verified using a sub‐distribution hazard model. STROBE guidelines were followed in reporting this study. Results Three thousand one hundred and sixty‐six patients were included in the final analysis with a mean age of 59 years and a total of 344,247 catheter days. The incidence of unplanned removal was 10.04%. Female, with thrombosis history, PICC insertion due to infusion failure, valved catheter and double‐lumen catheter were risk factors, whereas longer insertion and exposure length were protective factors in the cause‐specific hazard model. Higher BMI became an independent risk factor in the sub‐distribution hazard model. Conclusions Unplanned removal of PICCs is a serious clinical challenge in China. Our findings call for prevention strategies targeting the identified risk factors. Relevance to Clinical Practice Our study characterised the epidemiology of unplanned removal of PICCs among Chinese adult inpatients, highlighting the need for prevention among this population and providing a basis for the formulation of relevant prevention strategies. Patient or Public Contribution Patients contributed through sharing their information required for the case report form. Healthcare professionals who provide direct care to the patient at each medical centre contributed by completing the online case report form.