Introduction to the Oncology Care Unit

Sources of Infection and Types of Causative Microbes:

• Internal sources: From the patient’s own body.
• External sources: From the environment, surfaces, devices, supplies, and healthcare providers.
• Microbes from external sources are generally more resistant to antibiotics compared to internal microbes.

Strategies to Reduce Infection Risks in Oncology Units

1.  Hand Hygiene
Hands are the primary means of transmitting infections. Visitors and healthcare workers must adhere to hand hygiene protocols.

2.  Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

o   Gloves must be worn when handling patients, replaced, and hands cleaned afterward.

o   A plastic apron should be worn when dealing with body fluids.

3.  Precautions During Intravenous Therapy

o   Wash hands thoroughly and wear a head cover, face mask, medical gown, gloves, and ensure the use of sterilized sheets.

o   Maintain a sterile environment to reduce infection risk.

Infection Outbreak Management in Oncology Units

1.  Addressing Infections

1.  Evaluate infection control systems and procedures.

2.  Establish mechanisms for rapid identification of infection sources in hospitals.

3.  Monitor identified cases, track developments, and prepare final reports.

4.  Assess the immune response to antibiotics in infected cases.

5.  Monitor trends in microbial resistance or susceptibility to antibiotics.

6.  Develop mechanisms to study and track resistant microbes.

7.  Identify immunocompromised patients vulnerable to hospital-acquired infections.

8.  Adhere to contamination prevention protocols.

2.  Patient Equipment and Environmental Monitoring

1.  Assign specific tools for each patient’s evaluation.

2.  Implement preventive measures, including monitoring the health of medical staff and administering vaccines.

3.  Develop programs to monitor isolation areas or areas requiring special precautions.

4.  Prohibit plants and children’s toys in the unit.

5.  Review and evaluate health and environmental monitoring policies.

6.  Assess cleaning and sterilization procedures.

7. Evaluate standards governing service quality, workforce requirements, and equipment.

8. Prepare reports and recommendations for addressing environmental issues in line with hospital infection control needs.

Care for Patients on Mechanical Ventilation

1.  Elevate the bed to a 30–45-degree angle.

2.  Avoid excessive use of anti-acid medications.

3.  Initiate physical therapy and breathing exercises promptly.

4.  Replace the oxygen humidifier every 24 hours.

Drug Preparation Area

• The drug preparation area must be separate from patient rooms.

Ventilation

• Windows must remain closed, and ventilation should be centralized.

Alcohol-Based Hand Rub Stations

• Stations must be placed near the unit entrance.

Healthcare Providers

• Providers must receive all necessary vaccinations.

Unit Hygiene

• Clean and disinfect according to the schedule and after patient discharge.

Patient Isolation

• Isolate suspected or confirmed cases of infection.

Visiting Policy

• Limit visitor access to the unit.

Patient Care Equipment

• Equipment should not be washed, cleaned, or sterilized in the unit. Instead, transfer it outside the unit for sterilization.