1
|
Bledsaw K, Prudowsky ZD, Yang E, Harriehausen CX, Robins J, DeJean J, Staton S, Campbell JR, Davis AL, George A, Steffin D, Stevens AM. A Novel Oncodental Collaborative Team: Integrating Expertise for Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Prevention in Pediatric Oncology Patients. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e25-e32. [PMID: 36137251 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients are at high risk of infection, and limitations to dental expertise among medical providers render patients vulnerable to central line-associated bloodstream infections from oral pathogens. Traditionally, oral health maintenance relied on patients and bedside nurses; however, routine methods are often suboptimal to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infection in high-risk patients. Limited overlap of medical and dental expertise, and limited dental resources in typical oncology units, prevent optimal oral care for children with cancer, requiring novel solutions to better integrate specialties. METHODS Here, we outline the creation of a novel Pediatric oncodental team to address oral-systemic infection prevention strategies for high-risk patients. RESULTS Our oncology and dental teams created a systematic approach for increasing oral surveillance and treatment in select high-risk patients. Supervised pediatric dental residents participated in scheduled oncology rounds, and a permanent oral health educator with a background in dental hygiene was also hired as a dedicated dental professional within our oncology department. CONCLUSION Our pediatric oncodental team aims to sustain optimal oral complication prevention strategies to reduce the risk of infection, provide education on the significance of the oral-systemic link in cancer care, and improve access and continuity of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kandice Bledsaw
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX.,Quality & Outcomes Management, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Zachary D Prudowsky
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Esther Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Department of Dentistry, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Claudia X Harriehausen
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Department of Dentistry, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Jenell Robins
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Department of Dentistry, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Janet DeJean
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX
| | - Sharon Staton
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX
| | - Judith R Campbell
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.,Center for Infection Prevention & Control, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Andrea L Davis
- Center for Infection Prevention & Control, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Anil George
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - David Steffin
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Alexandra M Stevens
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| |
Collapse
|