Abstract: Objective: To develop a health education program for patients with PICC catheterization based on Timing It Right theory and to examine the program effects among patients with PICC. Methods: A comprehensive literature review, group discussions, and the Delphi technique were employed to inform the health education program development for patients with PICC and the program is also guided by Timing It Right theory. A total of 67 patients who underwent PICC catheterization in the hematology department of a tertiary grade A hospital from March to July 2023 were recruited and assigned to the control group. Standard nursing care was provided to these patients. Another 64 patients from August to December 2023 were assigned to the experimental group and the health education program was applied in this group. The self-management ability and complication rates of PICC catheterization were compared between the two groups at baseline, one month post-catheterization, and three months post-catheterization. Results: The significant group and time effects were observed on the total self-management ability scores between the two groups (P<0.05). One month following the intervention, no significant differences were detected in the incidence of catheter-related complications between the two groups (P>0.05). However, three months post-intervention, patients in the experimental group exhibited a lower incidence of catheter-related complications compared to those in the control group (χ2=4.518, P<0.05). Conclusion: The health education program developed for PICC patients based on Timing it Right theory is scientifically sound, reliable, and practical. It enhances the self-management ability of patients with PICC and reduces the occurrence of PICC-related complications. This program offers a scientific, practical, and comprehensive framework for health education in patients with PICC catheterization.

Key words: PICC; Timing It Right theory; health education