A Paradigm Shift in Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Apheresis: From Apheresis Technicians to Trained Oncology Nurses - Improving Patient Outcomes

Abstract

hematopoietic cell products via an IV infusion pump with standardized infusion times. A symptom assessment survey was completed by patients for comparing gravity infusions with infusions via the IV pump. Nurses were survey regarding this change in practice. Evaluation: Patient symptoms were rated for cryopreserved cell infusion prior to and after the initiation of a standardized infusion time of 10 minutes. Nurses were asked to rate the efficiency of utilizing an IV pump compared to gravity infusion. Patients who entered the program with a previous placed catheter that was not a 12F CVC were tracked to determine a potential cost benefit. Discussion: By utilizing standardized infusion times and an IV pump both nurses and patients have a better experience with cell infusions.