Use of hypnosis for the placement of a midline catheter in a patient at the end of life

Abstract

Objective: The case of a non-oncological patient at the end of his life, admitted to a Palliative Care Unit (PCU), is presented. After a failed attempt to place a central venous catheter (CVC) and another placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), the patient exhibited high anxiety regarding a midline catheter (MC) and refused its placement, even though this was necessary for the administration of intravenous drugs to control dyspnea and other complex symptoms that he presented. Method: An intervention through clinical hypnosis for successful MC placement and symptom control is described. Result: Through clinical hypnosis and interdisciplinary teamwork, it was possible to place a MC, necessary for symptomatic control of a complex patient. Significance of result: This case exemplifies hypnosis as a simple procedure that is easy to apply, accepted by the patient, and effective in the implementation of invasive procedures and symptom control in PCUs.