Outpatient monitoring of patients following consolidation chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
Outpatient monitoring of patients following consolidation chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
With the support from a NEMICS service improvement grant, and in collaboration with medical, nursing, HITH, day oncology, administrative, and research teams at Austin Health, a program was implemented to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and patient experience of home-based monitoring in place of ward-based care.
Impact
The program has demonstrated that home-based monitoring is safe, feasible, and associated with high patient satisfaction. No adverse events or near misses occurred, with only one participant requiring inpatient admission, managed according to the established pathway.
Across seven completed monitoring cycles, a median of five bed days per cycle was saved, resulting in a total of 34 inpatient bed days saved. All eligible patients consented to participate (100% recruitment rate).
The model also generated valuable data on multidisciplinary resource utilisation, including CNC, HITH, and day oncology time commitments, which will support planning for broader implementation.
Outcome
In six participants, home-based neutropenic monitoring post-consolidation chemotherapy proved feasible, safe, and well received, reducing inpatient bed use. With adequate clinical and nursing resources, this model us now considered standard care and being considered for expansion to other patients.
Contact
Dr Eric Wong, eric.wong@austin.org.au
