Tools and resources

Adoption support resource – insights from the NHS

1 Introduction

1 Introduction

This resource has been developed to provide practical information and advice relating to NICE medical technologies guidance on the Sherlock 3CG Tip Confirmation System for placement of peripherally inserted catheters.

It is intended for use by both clinical and non-clinical staff planning to implement this NICE guidance and start using this technology.

NICE's Health Technologies Adoption Programme worked with NHS organisations to share their learning and experiences of using the Sherlock 3CG Tip Confirmation System (TCS). The information presented in this resource is intended for the sole purpose of supporting the NHS in adopting or further researching this technology.

The information presented was neither assessed by the External Assessment Centre nor presented to the Medical Technologies Advisory Committee when it developed provisional recommendations on the Sherlock 3CG TCS. However, an advanced draft of the pack was available to the Committee, for information, when it considered the consultation comments and developed its final recommendations on the technology.

The Sherlock 3CG TCS is designed to confirm the correct placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). It integrates tip location and confirmation by enabling the magnetic and electrocardiographic real-time tracking of the PICC tip during insertion. This technology is intended to allow the person placing the PICC to immediately detect and correct any tip malposition.

The benefits of using the Sherlock 3CG TCS reported by the NHS staff involved in the production of this resource include:

  • Reduced PICC tip malposition rates.

  • Reduced delay in commencement of infusion therapy.

  • Potential cost savings due to fewer PICC re-insertions and repositions and less need for chest X‑rays.

  • More convenient and reduced radiation exposure for patients by avoiding the need for X‑ray confirmation.

The learning gained from existing users is presented as series of examples of current practice. They are not presented as best practice but as real-life examples of how NHS sites have adopted and used this technology.


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