Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40974065›Full record

ArticleThoracic cancer2025

PICC Maintenance Challenges Among Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study.

Guo Huanfei, Li Caiyun, Wang Xin, Zhang Jiwen, Liu Yang, Zhang Wei

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Thoracic cancer, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Guo HuanfeiDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Li CaiyunDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Wang XinDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Zhang JiwenDepartment of Nursing, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1632-9516
Liu YangDepartment of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Zhang WeiDepartment of Nursing, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2628-4512

Funding

CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS) 2023-I2M-C&T-B-099
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundEsophageal cancer is a prevalent malignancy worldwide, often accompanied by dysphagia and malnutrition that necessitate long-term intravenous nutritional support. Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) have become a standard nursing practice to facilitate chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition in these patients. However, maintaining PICCs poses significant challenges that can affect patient adherence and outcomes.

objectiveThis study aims to explore the experiences and needs of esophageal cancer patients regarding PICC maintenance after hospital discharge, with the goal of providing evidence to optimize nursing care services.

methodsA qualitative study was conducted involving semi-structured interviews with 15 esophageal cancer patients receiving PICC care at a specialized oncology hospital in Beijing from October 2024 to January 2025. Descriptive phenomenological methods were used to analyze the data following Colaizzi's seven-step approach.

resultsPatient experiences clustered into four main themes: (1) Survival under the combined pressures of nutritional needs and chemotherapy; (2) Maintenance challenges influenced by anatomical and treatment-related factors; (3) Adherence difficulties due to symptoms and frequent hospital visits; (4) Emotional responses to dramatic physical changes and distressing symptoms.

conclusionEsophageal cancer patients face complex, multifaceted needs during PICC maintenance, encompassing practical care, informational support, and psychological assistance. To improve patient adaptation and quality of life, future nursing practices should focus on enhancing care techniques, developing accessible support tools, and strengthening health education strategies.

Indexed as

Catheterization, PeripheralEsophageal NeoplasmsAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedQualitative Researchesophageal cancerhealth risks adult nursingperipherally inserted central catheterqualitative study

Identifiers

PMID40974065
PMCPMC12449607

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.