Digital Transformation of Continuity of Care for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: SpadCare Experience

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on patients who need outpatient infusion therapy through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). It evaluates the use of a digital app to support patient education and participation in specialized catheter care. The goal is to reduce complications such as catheter-related infections by improving real-time monitoring and patient involvement. The study does not involve randomization or masking and is sponsored by Fundacion Miguel Servet. Patients who agree to participate download a smartphone app containing detailed information about their catheter, including insertion date and specifications. Weekly catheter care can be performed at home, a health center, or hospital by nursing professionals or trained caregivers, guided by the app's video instructions and step-by-step features. Participants record their care and incidents in the app, which sends reminders and enables professionals to follow up promptly via phone or in-person visits if needed. The control group receives usual care with paper information and professional nursing care without digital support. Participants will be involved from PICC placement until removal, with monitoring of catheter care activity and any complications documented through the app. Researchers will measure patient involvement and complications by tracking the time from PICC placement to removal. Patient experience and satisfaction with the app will also be assessed. The study includes training via the app, telephone follow-ups, and in-person consultations when necessary, with continuous data collection during the intervention period.

Digital Transformation of Continuity of Care for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: SpadCare Experience