Prevention of Infection in Patients With Cancer

Objectives

To provide clinicians with the most reliable, updated evidence to support clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for patients with cancer who are at increased risk for infection.

Data Sources

Review of two evidence-based summaries of prevention of infection interventions published by the Oncology Nursing Society; MEDLINE and guidelines.gov literature review.

Conclusion

Handwashing is the most important intervention to prevent infection in patients with cancer. Guidelines-based intravascular catheter care and preventive activities can reduce infection incidence in this vulnerable patient population. Understanding risk factors for aggressive pathogens can help identify patients for rapid surveillance and isolation procedures. Additional multi-site research is required in oncology settings to recommend recent interventions for practice.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Oncology nurses should assess their adherence to evidence-based guidelines on infection prevention. Outcomes are optimized when clinicians identify high-risk patients and provide scientifically supported interventions.

Keywords: Infection, outcomes, cancer, interventions