Guidance
4 NHS considerations
System impact
4.1 The company claimed that SecurAcath could lower costs by avoiding delays in treatment and reducing catheter-related complications.
4.2 Experts considered that specialist training was needed for the insertion, maintenance and removal of SecurAcath. Removal of the device was identified as the most challenging element in its use, but this becomes easier with more experience.
4.3 NICE has produced an adoption resource about using SecurAcath for the securement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).
Committee considerations
4.4 The committee was advised by the experts that dressing changes are needed at the catheter insertion site on a weekly basis. They also said that a considerable amount of time is saved by using SecurAcath compared with StatLock for the maintenance of long-term PICCs. Dressing changes are much quicker and easier and there is a reduced risk of catheter dislodgement with SecurAcath.
4.5 The committee concluded that training was essential for the correct insertion, maintenance and removal of SecurAcath. Experts advised that proficiency improves quickly with experience and that there is a short learning curve. Training is provided free of charge by the company. This includes face-to-face instruction by clinical nurse advisers as well as online support from a downloadable mobile application.
4.6 SecurAcath is contraindicated in people with nickel allergy. One expert stated that, in their experience, true nickel allergy is rare and they had not encountered an allergic reaction to SecurAcath in their practice. It was also stated by the experts that patients may experience sensitivity to adhesive dressings.
4.7 The experts stated that they had no experience of using SecurAcath in young children (who tend to have tunnelled central venous catheters), but 1 had used it successfully with older children (aged 12 years and over) having chemotherapy.
4.8 One expert stated that bleeding can occur after SecurAcath placement, so more dressings may be needed.