Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Clostridium Difficile Infections in a Bone Marrow Transplant Unit

Abstract

Methods, Intervention, & Analysis: Assist staff to provide care that accommodates HCT patients with geriatric specific needs with education materials as well as identify and utilize a geriatric assessment tool to determine if the patient would benefit from a formal geriatric assessment. The geriatric NP would perform the assessment and provide specific recommendations in order to provide the best possible care to the older adults being treated with HCT. Findings & Interpretation: Patient education material was revised in order to meet the needs of the older adult and has been implemented on the HCT inpatient unit. The RN staff will be educated to complete a functional assessment on all admissions that are greater than 65 years old and what criteria would deem a patient appropriate for a consultation from the geriatric nurse practitioner. Discussion & Implications: Considering the specific needs of the older adult can lead to better outcomes and ensure age appropriate care is provided to this patient population.