Planned Infusion Unit Staff Meeting Minutes

Specialised Nurse **Meeting Date and Time:** 1 November 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM **Attendees:** * Sarah Jenkins, Charge Nurse * David Lee, Infusion Nurse * Emily Chen, Clinical Pharmacist * Mark Thompson, Nurse Assistant * Dr. Eleanor Vance, Medical Director (via video conference) **Apologies:** * Jessica White, Infusion Nurse (on annual leave) **Agenda Items Discussed:** * Review of Q3 patient satisfaction scores * New chemotherapy drug protocol implementation * Staffing rota for December * Maintenance schedule for infusion pumps * Upcoming mandatory re-certification for IV therapy **Patient Care Updates:** Discussion commenced regarding the two recent adverse reactions to Paclitaxel infusions; both patients responded well to immediate intervention with antihistamines and corticosteroids and were monitored closely. It was noted that patient Mr. John Smith (DOB 12/03/1965) missed his scheduled rituximab infusion on 29 October due to transport issues; the appointment has been re-scheduled for 5 November. Furthermore, there have been ongoing pharmacy delays with the delivery of IVIG, impacting three patients' treatment schedules. Incident reports for the adverse reactions have been completed and submitted. A reminder was issued regarding the updated protocol for central line dressing changes, emphasising strict adherence to sterile technique to minimise infection risk. **Staffing Issues:** Concerns were raised regarding adequate staffing levels for the upcoming holiday period, particularly for the Christmas and New Year shifts. Sarah Jenkins presented the proposed December rota, which includes temporary agency nurse cover for two shifts per week. It was agreed that current staffing levels are stretched, and a request for an additional full-time infusion nurse would be escalated to HR. Mark Thompson highlighted a need for more comprehensive training for new nurse assistants on safe patient transfer techniques. **Equipment and Supply Updates:** Three infusion pumps (models Alaris PCU 8100) are due for their annual preventative maintenance next week, scheduled for 4-6 November, with replacements available to ensure continuity of care. The inventory check revealed a low stock of 22-gauge peripheral IV catheters; an urgent order has been placed with the supplier. The clinical pharmacist, Emily Chen, also reported that the new smart pump software update has been successfully installed on all units. **Quality Improvement Initiatives:** Progress was reviewed on the project to reduce catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Preliminary data from the past month shows a 15% reduction in CLABSI rates following the implementation of the enhanced central line care bundle. A new initiative to improve patient education on self-care at home post-infusion was discussed, aiming to reduce readmission rates for preventable complications. Sarah Jenkins is to develop a patient information leaflet for review at the next meeting. **Training and Education:** Mandatory IV therapy re-certification training sessions are scheduled for all infusion nurses during November. David Lee expressed interest in attending an advanced PICC line insertion workshop in January, which was supported by Dr. Vance. A short in-service training session on the new chemotherapy drug protocol will be conducted by Emily Chen next week during morning huddle times. **Action Items:** * Sarah Jenkins: Escalate request for additional full-time infusion nurse to HR by 8 November. * Emily Chen: Conduct in-service training on new chemotherapy drug protocol by 7 November. * David Lee: Investigate and register for advanced PICC line insertion workshop by 15 November. * Mark Thompson: Research available training modules for nurse assistants on patient transfer techniques by 12 November. **Next Meeting:** 2 December 2024, 10:00 AM **Additional Notes:** Dr. Vance shared preliminary data from the oncology department regarding an upcoming clinical trial for a novel targeted therapy, which may impact infusion unit workload in early 2025. Further details will be provided once the trial receives full ethical approval. The team briefly discussed plans for the unit's annual Christmas social gathering, with a volunteer group forming to organise the event.