Catherine Oakley and colleagues describe how the findings of an audit of patients admitted with complications following chemotherapy were used to formulate a protocol to improve patient management

Aim This audit aimed to establish the frequency and pattern of cancer neutropenic admissions in a four-month period across the South West London Cancer Network.

Method A data collection tool was developed, consisting of four sections that encompassed patient demographics, clinical details, treatment history and outcome data. Data were collected at each participating hospital and returned to the project lead for collation and data transcription using a secure database.

Results Most cases of neutropenic sepsis were well managed. Most patients identified had known risk factors for development of febrile neutropenia. Despite this, there was inconsistent use of prophylactic growth factors and antibiotics.

Conclusion The results have been used to develop a network neutropenic pathway underpinned by an education strategy. The pathway gives nurses the chance to play an increasing role in preventing and minimising the effects of neutropenic sepsis.