Improving Time to Antibiotic Administration in Pediatric Oncology Patients With Fever.

Abstract

Background: Timely administration of antibiotics in pediatric oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy is critical, particularly for those presenting with fever and a central line, due to their increased risk of severe infections. Objective: This quality improvement project aimed to reduce the time from patient presentation to antibiotic administration in a pediatric oncology center. Methods: Current practices were evaluated through retrospective data analysis, identifying delays and inefficiencies in the workflow. Interventions included staff education, streamlined communication protocols, and implementation of a standardized clinical pathway. Findings: Initial results indicate a significant reduction in antibiotic administration times, improving patient outcomes and enhancing adherence to national guidelines. Conclusions: This project highlighted the importance of process optimization and interdisciplinary collaboration in delivering timely, evidence-based care to high-risk pediatric populations. Future steps involve sustaining the improvements and expanding the model.