Aim:

to estimate quality and cost parameters of central venous catheter insertion peripheral and central venous catheter procedures.

Methods:

we reviewed records of 200 children (31 days - years old), hospitalised at a University Hospital between January 2011 and December 2014 who required central vein access. We assessed demographic, quality variables and cost of both procedures.

Results:

we reviewed records of 100 central insertion and 100 peripheral insertion procedures. Peripheral insertions had less waiting time, were conducted next to the child’s bed, without need for fasting or transfering to the operating room, at a lower cost, all of these ensured timely administration of medicaments and nutrition, which resulted in lower stance time. The peripheral insertion also freed surgeon and operating room time to perform other interventions.

Conclusions:

We recommend that peripheral insertion procedure should be the first choice in children requiring intravenous treatments longer than five days. In order to establish a periferal insertion procedure in a hospital, a team is required to follow-up the patients and provide continuing education to health personnel in services and to family members, there is also a need for an appropiate space for insertion procedures and pain management.

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