CDC - Information for Health Care Providers About Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients

Information for Health Care Providers

Basic Infection Control and Prevention Plan for Outpatient Oncology Settings

Each year, about 650,000 cancer patients receive chemotherapy in an outpatient oncology clinic in the United States. Patients receiving chemotherapy are at risk for developing infections that may lead to hospitalization, disruptions in chemotherapy schedules, and even death. Neutropenia is recognized as the most serious hematologic toxicity during cancer treatment with chemotherapy.

Ongoing outbreaks and patient notifications in outpatient settings demonstrate the need for greater understanding and implementation of basic infection prevention guidance.

Outpatient oncology facilities can use the Basic Infection Control and Prevention Plan for Outpatient Oncology Settings to standardize and improve infection prevention practices. It includes key policies and procedures outlined in CDC’s Guide to Infection Prevention in Outpatient Settings: Minimum Expectations for Safe Care that have been tailored to help outpatient oncology facilities meet minimum expectations for patient safety.

Program Materials

CDC produced materials to help promote awareness about the importance of preventing infections in cancer patients. The fact sheet is intended to be handed out to patients and caregivers. The posters can be placed in patient waiting areas, staff lounges, emergency rooms, and anywhere that patients and health care providers might view them.