When providing ambulatory care to oncology patients that are known to be infected or colonized with antibiotic resistant organisms (AROs), it is important that adequate precaution be taken to reduce transmission risk. It is unclear, however, if Standard Precautions are sufficient or whether additional precautions, such as Contact Precautions are required. Contact Precautions may include prioritizing placement of the patient into an exam room, use of additional personal protective equipment, additional hand hygiene, and other precautions that extend beyond Standard Precautions. This report sought to review the current literature evaluating the effectiveness of contact isolation precautions versus routine infection prevention practices for ambulatory oncology patients infected or colonized with AROs and evidence-based guidelines regarding the use of contact isolation precautions for ambulatory oncology patients infected or colonized with AROs.

Contents

• CONTEXT AND POLICY ISSUES
• RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• KEY FINDINGS
• METHODS
  • Literature Search Strategy
  • Selection Criteria and Methods
  • Exclusion Criteria
• SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE
  • Quantity of Research Available
  • Summary of Findings
• CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION OR POLICY MAKING
• REFERENCES
• APPENDIX 1 Selection of Included Studies
• APPENDIX 2 Additional Literature - Guidelines (Not clearly evidence-based or not specific to ambulatory oncology patients)

Disclaimer: The Rapid Response Service is an information service for those involved in planning and providing health care in Canada. Rapid responses are based on a limited literature search and are not comprehensive, systematic reviews. The intent is to provide a list of sources and a summary of the best evidence on the topic that CADTH could identify using all reasonable efforts within the time allowed. Rapid responses should be considered along with other types of information and health care considerations. The information included in this response is not intended to replace professional medical advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation for or against the use of a particular health technology. Readers are also cautioned that a lack of good quality evidence does not necessarily mean a lack of effectiveness particularly in the case of new and emerging health technologies, for which little information can be found, but which may in future prove to be effective. While CADTH has taken care in the preparation of the report to ensure that its contents are accurate, complete and up to date, CADTH does not make any guarantee to that effect. CADTH is not liable for any loss or damages resulting from use of the information in the report.