Abstract: Objective: To conduct an investigation into the current status of the implementation and management of tunneled PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) insertion in secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Hunan province, aiming to provide references for further promoting the application of the technique. Methods: In January 2025, a convenience sampling method was employed. A self-designed questionnaire dedicated to the implementation and management status of tunneled PICC insertion was utilized to survey 246 medical institutions at or above secondary level in Hunan province. Results: A total of 34 hospitals (13.82%) have carried out the tunneled PICC insertion. Notably, 82.35% (28/34) of these hospitals initiated the utilization of this technique subsequent to 2019. The patients who underwent catheterization with this technique were mainly those with difficult access issues, critically ill patients, and patients with superior vena cava obstruction syndrome. Standard procedures for tunneled PICC insertion were established in 16 hospitals (47.06%), and 24 hospitals (70.59%) had provided training for staffs who implemented this technique. Additionally, 66.04% (140/212) of the hospitals had plans to adopt this technique in the future. Conclusion: The adoption rate of tunneled PICC insertion is relatively low in Hunan province, yet the demand for its implementation is high. There is a need for further improvement in aspects such as formulating standard operational procedures, managing complications, and retraining specialized nurses.

Key words: Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter; subcutaneous tunnel; venous therapy; clinical nurse specialist; cross-sectional survey