Improving Patient and Family Education for Pediatric Oncology Patients
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Authors
Vopnford, Erika
Issue Date
2021-05-14
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Abstract
Background: Treatment of pediatric oncology diagnoses can cause a variety of different symptoms in addition to the symptoms of the cancer itself. Patient and caregiver knowledge on how to handle these symptoms at home can be lifesaving.|Methods: A visual aid was created and presented to the sample group along with education on how to handle and prevent oncologic emergencies after being discharged from the hospital. The primary outcome of interest was decreasing the number of unplanned admissions to the pediatric unit.|Results: During the month before education was delivered, twelve patients were admitted to the pediatric unit from the emergency department. There were forty-eight calls to the triage nurse, and twelve of those patients were admitted as well. The month after education, there were three admissions from the emergency department. Forty-four patients called the triage nurse, and of those phone calls, seven patients were admitted.|Discussion: The literature review shows that patient education is highly valued by both the patients and healthcare providers as it improves patient outcomes. This quality improvement project indicates a positive correlation between structured patient education and decreased emergency department visits. The number of phone calls to the triage nurse resulting in admission also decreased after the project completion compared to prior numbers.
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Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University