Table 4.
Themes, subthemes, and meaning units identified during analysis
| Themes | Subthemes | Meaning units |
|---|---|---|
| Living with a PICC line | Benefits | Absence of symptoms |
| Speed of procedure | ||
| Disadvantages | Pain | |
| Difficulties during the cannulation | ||
| Extended time required for the insertion | ||
| Discomfort | ||
| Empathy towards the professionals | ||
| Lack of information | ||
| Adapting to life with the catheter | Lifestyle modifications | Personal hygiene |
| Dress | ||
| Sport | ||
| PICC periodical care | ||
| Esthetic aspects | ||
| Advantages | Decrease of the number of punctures required | |
| Venous endothelial maintenance | ||
| Impact on treatment | ||
| Overall assessment of the peripherally inserted central catheter | Overall evaluation positive |