Patient satisfaction and perception of indwelling pleural catheters

Background: Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are increasingly used to enable ambulatory pleural fluid drainage in patients with symptomatic malignant effusion. Our aim was to determine patient satisfaction and perception post IPC insertion. Method: All patients receiving an IPC between June 2018 and February 2019 were included. A questionnaire survey was conducted 6 weeks after the procedure. Demographics, information received prior to IPC insertion, details about IPC drainage and pain scale including impact upon quality of life were collected. The data was then analysed and interpreted. Results: A total of 21 questionnaires were returned. The average age was 72 years (range 58-91). On average, patients felt they received the right amount of information prior to IPC insertion and rated the procedure 3 out of 10 for severity of pain. Most patients had their IPC drained once a week by a nurse or other healthcare professional and found it a 0 out of 10 for pain. In total, 48% of individuals stated they had problems with the IPC, including allergy to the dressing site (n=3, 14%), pain after insertion (n=2, 10%) and inability to lie on the side of the IPC (n=2, 10%). However only 19% (n=4) felt their IPC prevented day to day activities; inability to bathe, swim or wear a bra. In total, 71% of patients (n=15) felt it improved their quality of life as they felt less breathless (n=9, 43%) and had fewer hospital attendances (n=2, 10%). Overall, 86% (n=18) of individuals were satisfied with their IPC. Discussion: IPCs are successfully used in patients with malignant pleural effusions with good patient satisfaction. Therefore, consideration needs to be given as to whether an IPC should be offered as a primary intervention.