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Implementing evidence-based guidelines for preventing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: from paper to clinical practice
1 Advanced Medical Specialties, Miami, FL, and 2 Florida Cancer Consultants, Cancer Research Network, Plantation, FL
Evidence-based oncology practice guidelines recommend primary prophylaxis with a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor of patients at moderate to high risk for febrile neutropenia (FN). Often overlooked as a serious consequence of routine cancer treatment, FN can lead to disruption of scheduled chemotherapy; increased risk of infection, morbidity, and mortality; and consequent higher resource utilization costs. Preventing FN should be a quality standard in oncology practices, and nurses are well qualified to lead such efforts. Successfully implementing a program for preventing FN requires identifying and engaging stakeholders, reviewing evidence, and reaching a consensus on best practices. Training staff on procedures, performing audits, and periodically updating the practice’s policies and procedures are also essential components of a successful program. It is through such programs that oncology nurses are uniquely positioned to lead important initiatives in quality improvement and efficiency.
| Commun Oncol 2006;3:530–536 | full text |  196 kb |