Abstract: Objective To explore the real experience of patients with PICC through femoral vein, and to provide reference for clinical psychological intervention. Methods With phenomenological research method,semi-structured interviews were conducted in 13 patients with PICC via femoral vein, and the data were analyzed by the 7-step method of Colaizzi. Results Before and during the catheterization of PICC, the negative experience dominated the patients and main manifestations were tension, fear, shyness, embarrassment, worry and helplessness. After the placement of the catheter, patients majorly had the positive experience and the main manifestations were relaxation and comfort, and sense of security. Conclusion According to the psychological changes of patients during the whole process of intubation, the protection of patients’ privacy, health education and humanistic care, the training of specialized nurses and the assessment of vascular access before catheterization are conducive to improving the success rate of intubation, stimulating the positive experience of patients and improving patient satisfaction.

Key words: subcutaneous tunnel, femoral vein, PICC, experience, qualitative study