Antibiotic Administration in One Hour or Less for Pediatric Oncology Patients with Fever and Neutropenia

To reduce the time to first dose of antibiotics to directly admitted pediatric oncology patients with febrile neutropenia, an interdisciplinary quality improvement team systematically analyzed admission and treatment processes to identify barriers to care and key tactics for process improvement.

A 67 percent reduction in time to first dose of antibiotics was achieved; the rate of patients receiving their first dose of antibiotics within one hour increased from 24 percent to 93 percent.

Read the whole case study below (click 'view item').

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)