Outpatient Infusion Services
Outpatient infusion service is way to deliver intravenous (IV) cancer treatment without staying in the hospital. This includes:
- Antibiotics to fight infections that do not respond to oral medicines
- Chemotherapy
- Biological therapy, including immunotherapy and targeted cancer therapies
- Nutrition and hydration
- Pain management
- Treatment for side effects from cancer treatment such as anemia
Why outpatient infusion is performed
Your doctor may recommend outpatient infusion services when you need chemotherapy for cancer. It may also be necessary to treat cancer-related conditions, such as pain and infection. Outpatient treatment allows you to maintain as normal a lifestyle as possible. It allows you to continue to work or attend school, and spend more time with friends and family. Staying out of the hospital also decreases your risk of infection.
What to expect
Outpatient infusion services for cancer usually take place in a cancer care clinic. This may be a freestanding clinic or be located within a hospital complex. You can expect this clinic to have ample amenities to help keep you comfortable and occupied during your treatment. This may include recliner/massage chairs, warm blankets, reading materials, private TVs with headphones, free Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages, and access to a microwave and refrigerator. Find out what your clinic offers before your first appointment.
Recovery after outpatient infusion
The length of time you need to spend at the treatment center can vary depending on your treatment. In most cases, you should plan on spending most of your day there. This allows enough time for pre-treatment blood testing, drug preparation, treatment administration, and recovery. For recovery, the staff will want to see that your vital signs are stable and you are well enough to leave. You may find it is more comfortable to have someone drive you home.
Your care team will review any aftercare instructions with you before you leave. Following them will help you get back to feeling like yourself. Make sure you know when and who to call if you have any problems after you are home.
