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The aim of the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) initiative was to formally assess appropriate uses of PICCs, identify factors associated with complications, and improve the safety of hospitalized medical patients by eliminating unnecessary PICC use and preventing complications. While PICCs offer several benefits to patients and providers, they are invasive devices that are known to be associated with two of the most costly and morbid complications in hospitalized patients: central line-associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). This initiative was switched to maintenance mode in 2025.
Areas of focus for the PICC initiative were:
- ensuring that patients do not have PICCs in for less than 5 days
- increasing the use of single-lumen PICCs in non-ICU patients
- reducing PICCs placed in patients with an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) <45 (without Nephrology approval)
- reducing the use of triple lumen PICCs and those in for less than 5 days in oncology patients
- reducing the use of triple-lumen PICCs in critical care patients
PICC Toolkit Webinar Presentations
Resources for Healthcare Professionals
PICC Summary Document (utilized within institution to educate teams on the PICC initiative)
The W.I.S.E. Tool for Assessment of Short Term PICC Use
PICC Placement Order Set-Example
The C.L.O.T Tool for Identifying Strategies to Prevent PICC Catheter Occlusions
Resources for Patients
Educational Brochure – “Before You Get Your Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)”
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HMS PICC Tier I ToolkitThe PICC Toolkit is a repository of resources that can be utilized by hospitals to assist with quality improvement related to appropriate utilization of vascular access devices for hospitalized medicine patients.
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HMS PICC Tier II Catheter Occlusion ToolkitThe Occlusion Tier II toolkit will introduce a series of tools aimed at quantifying and understanding why PICC occlusions occur, followed by targeted approaches to reduce this adverse event.
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HMS PICC Tier II DVT ToolkitThe PICC DVT Tier II toolkit steps focus on the life-cycle of the catheter: appropriate insertion and tip verification, appropriate diagnostic testing, technology-based solutions and line necessity evaluations. For each of these elements, specific guidance and recommendations will be provided.
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HMS PICC Tier II CLABSI ToolkitThe CLABSI Tier II toolkit steps focus on the life-cycle of the catheter: appropriate insertion, care and maintenance, technology-based solutions, line necessity evaluations and culturing stewardship. For each of these elements, specific guidance and recommendations are provided.
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HMS Active Malignancy Vascular Access ToolkitEvidence-based vascular access practices—including appropriate device selection, dwell times, and staff education—help reduce complications, improve patient safety, and support high-quality, cost-effective cancer care.
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HMS Critical Care Vascular Access ToolkitIn critical care, evidence-based vascular access guidelines, decision support tools, and structured communication protocols reduce complications, enhance patient safety, and support consistent, high-quality, and cost-effective care.