Abstract
Outpatient chemotherapy is increasing due to the improved quality of life and the substantial maintenance of side effects. We have created the critical paths for breast cancer chemotherapy which is by far the most common among outpatient chemotherapy. At present, there are seven kinds of breast cancer chemotherapy paths being enforced by the department of surgery. The original purpose of their creation was to prevent medication error, to detect side effects in a timely manner, and to increase clinical efficiency. Though the results achieved by chemotherapy are undoubted, it is particularly important to measure its side effects. We utilize the critical paths in cooperation with pharmacists and nurses to explain to the patient the medical treatment schedule and the possible side effects involved. Our hospital presently is planning to make an outpatient chemotherapy unit in order to unify the various chemotherapy critical paths. We are not only concerned with safety management, but also with using the critical paths to improve the patient, psychological status and to give patients the opportunity to actively participate in the restoraction of their health.
