This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluates the safety equivalence between weekly and biweekly dressing changes for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) in oncology patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy.
The study will assess vascular access functionality, skin integrity including Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injury (MARSI), and the incidence of catheter-related complications.
A total of 150 adult patients with colon or pancreas cancer receiving chemotherapy and requiring PICC insertion will be randomized into two groups: weekly dressing changes (control group) or biweekly dressing changes every 14 days (intervention group).
Participants will be followed during chemotherapy treatment for a minimum of six cycles and up to twelve sessions. Outcomes include catheter-related complications, patient satisfaction with vascular access care, and quality of life measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire).