Rethinking Blood Testing in Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Quality Improvement Approach.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The overuse of blood tests burdens the healthcare system and can detrimentally impact patient care. Risks of frequent blood sampling include infection and clinician-induced anemia, which can negatively impact patients and their families. Pediatric cancer patients are particularly vulnerable as they are immunocompromised with a small blood volume. Four blood tests had become a daily practice. Therefore, we aimed to reduce the number of blood tests taken per bed day within the inpatient pediatric cancer unit by 15% within 8 months.

Methods

This quality improvement project combined several strategies to reduce test frequency and empower clinicians on the rationale for blood test ordering. Recommendations were developed collaboratively presented in a summary table.

SUBMITTER: Grant AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9197359 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature