Exploring continuous nursing needs among outpatients undergoing central venous access device maintenance in the smart healthcare context: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: This study qualitatively explored the continuous needs of patients undergoing central venous access device maintenance within the context of smart healthcare.

METHOD: A descriptive qualitative design was used to explore the continuity-of-care needs of patients undergoing central venous access device maintenance within smart healthcare. Twenty outpatients from a tertiary oncology hospital in Zhejiang, China, were purposively sampled and interviewed face-to-face for 15-30 min between June and August 2025 until data saturation. Transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis with NVivo 12 following COREQ guidelines. Credibility was ensured through reflexive journaling and peer debriefing during data analysis. Ethical approval was obtained, and all participants provided written informed consent.

RESULTS

Five themes emerged from the analysis, reflecting patients' diverse needs during central venous access device maintenance within the smart healthcare context. These included (1) feeling vulnerable during catheter care at home; (2) experiencing uncertainty across different care settings; (3) struggling to find clear and personalized information; (4) seeking more convenient and coordinated care; and (5) staying connected for emotional reassurance.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights needs for safety, continuity, and emotional connection in patients undergoing central venous access device maintenance. It suggests that smart healthcare must evolve from technical monitoring to holistic support, informing the development of patient-centered smart nursing platforms.