Barriers to optimal central venous catheter training: a qualitative study of physician experiences.

BACKGROUND

Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is a high-risk procedure requiring advanced training to minimize complications. Despite widespread use of various training approaches, little is known about how physicians experience CVC training in practice. The authors carried out this study to explore the experiences of physicians with central venous catheter (CVC) training and to identify opportunities for improvement.

METHODS

In May 2024, the authors conducted an exploratory qualitative study through semi-structured interviews with six physicians at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Centre, including five attending physicians and one resident across multiple specialties that frequently perform CVC placement. Interviews lasted approximately one hour and followed a structured guide of 20 open-ended questions. Interview notes were analysed using thematic analysis by three independent researchers who identified patterns, refined themes, and ensured analytic rigor. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

RESULTS

Three major themes and accompanying subthemes emerged: (1) Perceived insufficient preparation due to inadequate prior training; (2) Missed training opportunities related to time constraints, variable patient volumes, and limited access to equipment; and (3) A strong desire for structured feedback, standardized protocols, and improved access to high-quality training resources.

CONCLUSIONS

This qualitative study highlights identified challenges in CVC training, including limited realism, lack of standardization, and insufficient preparation for patient-centred care. These insights provide a foundation for considering how CVC training approaches may be refined to better align with physician experiences.