Neutropenic fever can occur at anytime and is difficult to detect.
To reduce the risk of death among cancer patients, our oncology nurses, physicians and case managers created a program that helps ensure recognition and immediate response. This effort includes medical faculty, resident physicians, nursing case management, the pharmacy, home care and the emergency department. As a result, more patients are surviving neutropenic fever. This program also was selected by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement for presentation to an audience of international health professionals. Tina Diorio, who moves more easily and has more energy after receiving an intrathecal Baclofen pump, visits with Robert J. Bielski, M.D., chief of pediatric orthopaedics.