Publications by authors named "Mindy Bibart"
Article Synopsis
- Pediatric hematology and oncology patients, particularly those with central venous catheters (CVCs), are at a heightened risk for bloodstream infections, leading researchers to assess the impact of standardized CVC maintenance practices.
- A retrospective study analyzed data from patients with certain malignancies and conditions, revealing that 14.6% experienced central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), more commonly among hospitalized patients, especially those with leukemia.
- The study concluded that while mucosal barrier injury (MBI) CLABSIs were significant, non-MBI CLABSIs were more prevalent, with the type of CVC used contributing to the overall risk, suggesting a need for more effective prevention strategies in this vulnerable group.
Introduction: Survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk of treatment-related cardiovascular disease, the severity of which is impacted by the level of regular exercise. Exercise assessments (EAs) are not a routine component of follow-up care.
Methods: We incorporated a quantitative EA tool into the clinic triage during follow-up visits for survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Article Synopsis
- National guidelines recommend vaccinating immunocompromised patients on cancer therapy to reduce influenza-related health issues, and quality improvement (QI) strategies can enhance vaccination rates.
- A QI initiative was conducted focusing on education and communication to boost influenza vaccinations among oncology patients undergoing treatment, resulting in over 87% vaccination rates each season.
- The program was effective, achieving high vaccination levels and keeping influenza infection rates below 10% in vaccinated patients, despite challenges like vaccine refusals later in the season.
Objective: Childhood cancer metrics are currently primarily focused on survival rates and late effects of therapy. Our objectives were to design and test a metric that reflected overall quality and safety performance, across all cancer types, of an oncology-bone marrow transplant service line and to use the metric to drive improvement.
Method: The Cancer Care Index (CCI) aggregates adverse safety events and missed opportunities for best practices into a composite score that reflects overall program performance without regard to cancer type or patient outcome.