Assessment of knowledge and practice of healthcare providers towards peripherally inserted central catheter procedures at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda

INTRODUCTION: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) provide reliable long-term intravenous access for critically ill patients requiring extended therapy. Despite their clinical importance, limited research exists on healthcare providers' knowledge and practice in PICC management within sub-Saharan Africa. The aim was to assess healthcare providers' knowledge and clinical practices regarding PICC procedures at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda (KFHR). METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at KFHR among 100 healthcare providers across six clinical departments using a structured questionnaire. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on direct patient care involvement. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics using STATA version 18. RESULTS: Only 3% of participants held formal PICC certification. While 73% understood PICCs' role in long-term therapy, significant knowledge gaps persisted: 46% lacked understanding of proper anatomical placement, 41% incorrectly identified tattoos as contraindications, and 53% believed aseptic technique was only necessary during insertion. CONCLUSION: Substantial knowledge gaps in PICC procedures were observed among healthcare providers at KFHR. Although PICC is a globally recognized, evidence-based, life-saving intervention, it has not yet been implemented in Rwanda or at KFHR. Further research and pilot implementation are needed to assess feasibility, resource requirements, and training needs in the local context.