# Failure of timely removal of central and peripheral venous catheters after antibiotic therapy in nursing homes

## TL;DR

Many nursing home residents keep venous catheters after finishing antibiotics, increasing safety risks.

## Contribution

The study reveals a high rate of unnecessary catheter retention in nursing homes.

## Key findings

- 80% of catheters were retained after antibiotic therapy ended.
- One-third of catheters were retained for over a week.

## Abstract

Each day a venous catheter is retained poses unnecessary safety risks. In a retrospective evaluation of central/peripheral lines in nursing home residents receiving antibiotics, 80% were retained beyond antibiotic treatment end and nearly one third were retained longer than a week. Interventions for timely catheter removal are urgently needed.