Nurse Manager UCLA Health Los Angeles, California, United States
Title: Pediatric Chemotherapy Release- OK to Treat Order
Abstract : Pediatric oncology patients require meticulous evaluation before receiving treatment, taking into account factors like laboratory values, age, weight, and treatment condition. However, there is a significant communication gap between providers and nursing staff regarding approval for chemotherapy administration, leading to potential delays and errors in treatment delivery. Currently, there is no efficient mechanism to indicate whether a patient is cleared for treatment on a given day. This project aims to address the lack of standardized communication in chemotherapy clearance and improve workflow efficiency.
The objective of this QI project is to implement a standardized mechanism for communication between providers and nursing staff regarding chemotherapy clearance in pediatric oncology settings. The project introduces a "chemo release" or "OK to treat" order, which will streamline communication, reduce treatment delays, and ensure compliance with institutional policies. The purpose is to enhance patient safety, optimize workflow, and ensure that all chemotherapy treatments are cleared through standardized and documented communication.
The implementation of the "OK to treat" order was designed to allow providers to indicate approval for treatment based on a patient’s oncology treatment plan and lab results. The order is valid for daily or weekly use and automatically triggers a green light in the multi-provider schedule, providing real-time communication with the nursing team. The intervention was tested across outpatient chemotherapy infusions. Data were collected to monitor usage, treatment delays, and communication breakdowns. The analytic strategy involved monitoring the efficiency of communication processes.
The "OK to treat" order went live on October 28, 2024, and is now being used across outpatient chemotherapy infusions. Early findings show improved communication and reduced treatment delays, contributing to more efficient workflows. The standardized documentation process has enhanced patient safety and compliance with treatment protocols, ensuring that chemotherapy administration is based on up-to-date clinical evaluations.
