Name of the Procedure:

Home Infusion Therapy, Catheter Care / Maintenance (S5497)

Summary

Home infusion therapy and catheter care involve maintaining and managing an infusion catheter at home. This includes a range of services such as administration, professional pharmacy services, coordinating care, and providing all necessary supplies and equipment. Nursing visits and drugs are billed separately.

Purpose

This service is primarily aimed at patients who require long-term intravenous medications or nutrition but are well enough to receive treatment at home. The goal is to maintain catheter function, prevent infections, and ensure the safe and effective delivery of home-based infusion therapy.

Indications

• Chronic illnesses requiring long-term intravenous therapy (e.g., infections, cancer, nutritional deficiencies)
• Patients with conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or severe pain requiring continuous medication
• Individuals needing parenteral nutrition

Preparation

• Patients may need to undergo necessary blood tests or imaging studies to establish baseline health conditions.
• Instructions on fasting or medication adjustments will be provided if applicable.
• Patients should ensure a clean and safe environment at home for the procedure.

Procedure Description

1. Assessment: A healthcare professional assesses the patient and the catheter site.
2. Sterilization: The area around the catheter is cleaned and sterilized.
3. Flushing and Dressing: The catheter is flushed with a saline solution to maintain patency and dressed with a sterile bandage.
4. Supplies: Necessary supplies and equipment are provided to the patient.
5. Education: Instruction on care procedures, recognizing potential complications, and emergency contact numbers are given to the patient and caregivers.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity and specific requirements.

Setting

This procedure is performed at the patient's home. Trained healthcare professionals, often from a home health agency, deliver the service.

Personnel

• Registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
• Pharmacists (for medication preparation and provision)
• Healthcare coordinators

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the catheter site
• Catheter blockage or malfunction
• Blood clots
• Allergic reactions to supplies

All potential complications are managed based on established protocols, and patients are advised to seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms occur.

Benefits

• Reduced need for hospital visits
• Convenient and comfortable for the patient
• Continuation of essential therapy without disrupting daily life Benefits can generally be realized immediately, with improvements in the management of chronic conditions over time.

Recovery

• Patients are advised to monitor the catheter site daily.
• Regular assessments by healthcare professionals will be scheduled.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary based on the patient's condition and response to treatment.

Alternatives

• Hospital or outpatient infusion therapy
• Oral or other non-intravenous routes of medication delivery Each alternative has its pros and cons, with hospital infusions providing a higher level of monitoring but at increased inconvenience and cost.

Patient Experience

Patients might experience slight discomfort or pain during the catheter maintenance. Effective pain management and comfort measures, such as local anesthetic cream, may be used. After the procedure, patients should feel minimal discomfort and can generally resume normal activities with some precautions.