Central vascular access devices in oncology and hematology considered from a different point of view: how do patients experience their vascular access ports?

BACKGROUND: Oncology patients require long-term vascular access, but the subjective experience of having a port in daily life is not well studied. METHODS: In a prospective study, patients at an outpatient clinic filled out a questionnaire. INSTRUMENT: The questionnaire consisted of four questions. RESULTS: The top three reported benefits of having a port were (1) no more peripheral venipunctures, (2) greater convenience, and (3) arms left free for activities of daily living. Patients disliked the visibility of ports and complained about site soreness. CONCLUSIONS: Good nursing care includes the ability to provide optimal care and maintenance of the vascular access device, but understanding the patients' point of view is an added value.