Abstract
Neutropenic sepsis occurs in about 20% of people receiving chemotherapy (Smith et al 2006, Aapro et al 2011). There are about 4,000 neutropenic sepsis admissions and 700 deaths annually in the UK (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2012). Delivery of intravenous antibiotics within one hour of presentation saves lives but patients often delay reporting the symptoms to acute oncology services (AOS) (National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) 2008, Oakley et al 2016). Delays can lead to distress, hospital admission, greater risk of treatment interruptions that affect prognoses and increased health service costs. However, nurses can promote earlier presentation through understanding the reasons for the delays. I found that neutropenic sepsis information provided during medically led consent, nurse-led pre-treatment consultation appointments and throughout treatment can heighten patients’ fears of dying (Oakley et al 2016).
Published by
Current Awareness Service for Health
