Journal of pediatric oncology nursing : official journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
-
J Pediatr Oncol Nurs · May 2021
Improving Antibiotic Timing in Febrile Neutropenia for Pediatric Oncology Patients with a Central Line.
Background: Febrile neutropenia in pediatric oncology patients is considered a medical emergency. This population is at risk for infection-related complications due to their immunocompromised state. The purpose of this evidence-based quality improvement project was to reduce the time in minutes from admission to antibiotic administration to within 60 min in at least 90% of pediatric oncology patients with a central line presenting with febrile neutropenia. ⋯ Other outcomes included 100% compliance in provider utilization of the order set, reduction in the average time from admission to antibiotic administration, and cost reduction related to cefepime waste. Discussion: The FAST BREAK order set is now considered the standard of care in the Pediatric Cancer Center at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Maintaining the expectation of prompt antibiotic administration for febrile neutropenia in pediatric oncology patients with a central line will improve patient care, reduce adverse outcomes in this vulnerable population, and correlate with national guidelines for antibiotic administration in febrile oncology patients.