[Observational study of outpatient unit duration of stay depending on the route of administration (intravenous vs subcutaneous) for a targeted therapy]

Abstract

New routes of administration available for some targeted therapies, especially subcutaneous injections, have an impact not only on the patients' daycare experience, but also on the unit's organization. This observational study conducted on 48 voluntary patients at the Institut universitaire du cancer Toulouse-Oncopole shows that the mean duration of the outpatient unit stay is diminished by one hour when a subcutaneous injection is used instead of an intravenous route. This duration decrease is mainly caused by an 82% average reduction in treatment duration. However, the waiting times before and after the treatment itself are not significantly impacted. Organizational methods related to the treatment prescription and preparation remain indeed the same. Anticipated prescription is not noticeably impacted either. This reduction of the duration of stay will truly be obtained if the whole unit's organization is adapted.

Keywords: Durée de séjour; Hôpital de jour; Length of stay; Outpatient unit; Route of administration; Voie d’administration.