3 research outputs found
A Systematic Approach to Preparing for Chemotherapy Administration
Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68916/2/10.1177_104345429100800308.pd
Rapid reduction of central line infections in hospitalized pediatric oncology patients through simple quality improvement methods
Background Pediatric hematologyâoncology (PHO) patients are at significant risk for developing central lineâassociated bloodstream infections (CLAâBSIs) due to their prolonged dependence on such catheters. Effective strategies to eliminate these preventable infections are urgently needed. In this study, we investigated the implementation of bundled central line maintenance practices and their effect on hospitalâacquired CLAâBSIs. Materials and Methods CLAâBSI rates were analyzed within a singleâinstitution's PHO unit between January 2005 and June 2011. In May 2008, a multidisciplinary quality improvement team developed techniques to improve the PHO unit's safety culture and implemented the use of catheter maintenance practices tailored to PHO patients. Data analysis was performed using timeâseries methods to evaluate the preâ and postâintervention effect of the practice changes. Results The preâintervention CLAâBSI incidence was 2.92 per 1,000âpatient days (PD) and coagulaseânegative Staphylococcus was the most prevalent pathogen (29%). In the postâintervention period, the CLAâBSI rate decreased substantially (45%) to 1.61 per 1,000âPD ( P â<â0.004). Early on, blood and marrow transplant (BMT) patients had a threefold higher CLAâBSI rate compared to nonâBMT patients ( P â<â0.033). With additional infection control countermeasures added to the bundled practices, BMT patients experienced a larger CLAâBSI rate reduction such that BMT and nonâBMT CLAâBSI rates were not significantly different postâintervention. Conclusions By adopting and effectively implementing uniform maintenance catheter care practices, learning multidisciplinary teamwork, and promoting a culture of patient safety, the CLAâBSI incidence in our study population was significantly reduced and maintained. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:262â269. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/95163/1/24187_ftp.pd
The Role of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in the Comprehensive Management of Pediatric Oncology Patients in the Inpatient Setting
The role of the pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) in the comprehensive management of pediatric oncology patients in the inpatient setting was examined at a large tertiary teaching hospital. This article shows role responsibilities including new diagnosis teaching, procedures, routine chemotherapy, patients' comprehensive medical management, coordination of nursing care across settings, phone triage, and professional development. A PNP's typical day is highlighted to illustrate the innovative merging of traditional ambulatory care roles with that of the PNP as a comprehensive manager of pediatric oncology patients in the inpatient setting. This role provides a more seamless care experience and provides critical links in the delivery of health care to pediatric oncology patients.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68349/2/10.1177_104345429901600202.pd