Congress Abstracts 2006

40

PARA FLU AND THE OUTPATIENT CLINIC "PANDEMIC." Laura Turkel, RN, BSN, and Cynthia Besas, RN, BSN, OCN^®, Duke Health System, Durham, NC.

Topic: Factors external to an Outpatient Stem Cell Transplant Clinic may conspire to infect immuno-compromised patients who may unwittingly cause a widespread Para Flu outbreak among the out patient population. A careful review of existing procedures and the implementation of a pro-active action plan are vital to avoid the epidemic spread of Para Flu through the clinic.

Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to illustrate as an exemplar from one institution how, as a result of an unexpected and deadly outbreak of Para Flu, clinic staff retrospectively analyzed external sources of Para Flu contagion to develop procedures to limit the epidemic spread of Para Flu among Outpatient Stem Cell Transplant Clinic patients.

Interventions: Highly effective hygiene and isolation protocols within the Outpatient Stem Cell Transplant clinic were inadequate to protect immuno-compromised patients from exposure to Para Flu while utilizing hospital transportation services, waiting rooms, undergoing hospital based procedures and socializing with fellow patients. The presentation will describe how clinic staff evaluated its processes, developed facility improvements, secured improved transportation services, and developed methods for improved communication between the Outpatient Stem Cell Transplant clinic, the main hospital, staff and clinic patients.

Interpretation: Short-term efficacy will be measured by the acceptance and implementation of staff recommendations for process improvement. Long-term efficacy will be evaluated based upon the success of implemented protocols against a potential Para Flu "epidemic". Data on adoption of recommendations and infection rates will be presented.

Discussion: A significant risk factor for immuno-compromised patients is Para Flu infection through use of hospital based medical care, transportation services and patient-to-patient interaction. A thorough and pro-active analysis of the risk of infection external to an outpatient clinic will reduce the risk of contracting Para Flu, will enhance the opportunity for Outpatient Stem Cell Transplant procedure success and will enhance staff's ability to ensure patient safety.