Survey of non-cuffed hemodialysis catheter management methods (Questionnaire survey by the Japanese National University Hospital Association for Blood Purification Divisions)

Abstract

The daily management of non-cuffed hemodialysis catheters is guided by various domestic and international references, including guidelines from the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States. However, the recommendations of different societies differ in some areas, and the actual management methods of dialysis facilities remain unknown. In order to clarify the differences between the guidelines and actual practice patterns, we conducted a questionnaire survey on catheter management among dialysis physicians at 42 facilities participating in the Japanese National University Hospital Association for Blood Purification Divisions. The survey revealed that catheter management methods differed among facilities, including catheter insertion site management, connection site management, catheter locking method, length of indwelling, and timing of catheter replacement. It is important to know how other facilities manage catheters because this will lead to a review of management methods in our own facilities. Moreover, there is potential for application in terms of task shifting and medical education. Data accumulation is important because there is insufficient evidence to support catheter management methods in some areas.