Catheter access in palliative care: three things that matter

Two people holding hands, catheter access in palliative care

Catheter access in palliative care places different demands than in curative care. The goal is relief, not cure, and that changes what counts as a good outcome. Every complication that requires an extra procedure, a new insertion or a hospital visit takes time away from something else.

Fewer interruptions in treatment
A maintained, functioning access means pain relief, fluids and nutrition can be given without pauses.

Prevention of catheter-related infections
Fewer infections mean fewer treatments that add nothing for the patient at this stage.

Prevention of occlusions
An occlusion means flushing attempts, anxiety and in the worst case a change of access. Avoiding that is symptom relief in itself.

TauroLock™ and NutriLock™ are used to protect catheter access in palliative care. If you would like to discuss how it looks at your unit, you can meet us at this autumn’s conferences.