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Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical pathway in achieving antibiotic administration in less than 60 minutes for children with cancer, presenting with fever and neutropenia. Secondary objectives were to determine association between time to antibiotics (TTA) and other variables including fever duration, location of care and intravenous access types. Methods: Following introduction of the clinical pathway, we collected prospective data about management of all cases that did and did not use the pathway across multiple sites over 16 months. A follow‐up audit was conducted after 12 months. Results: We evaluated a total of 453 presentations. Use of the clinical pathway was significantly associated with achieving TTA in less than 60 minutes (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56–0.85, p = <0.001). Despite varying use of the pathway over time, the median time to antibiotics was achieved in both the initial study period (57 minutes) and sustained at follow‐up (60 minutes). TTA was also associated with types of intravenous access device and location of care and with length of stay. We did not find any association between TTA and any other variables. Conclusion: Clinical pathways improve fever management in this patient cohort. Ongoing education and auditing to identify factors which impact processes of care are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young people with cancer have distinct clinical and psychosocial needs during and after cancer treatment. However, as adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer is rare, and only recently recognized as specialty, health professionals may not have the skills, competence, and confidence to meet the needs of the young patient with cancer. The aim of this study was to identify the learning needs of health professionals providing cancer care to adolescents and young adults before and following the introduction of a state-wide AYA cancer education program. Methods: A survey of educational needs of health professionals was undertaken in 2013 at the commencement of the Queensland Youth Cancer Service. The survey was used to develop the education program of the service. The education program was delivered across the state in a variety of formats, covering a range of topics throughout 2013–2016. The second survey was completed in 2017. Results were compared to identify if educational needs or the self-rated confidence of health professionals in regard to AYA cancer care had changed over time. Results: One hundred twenty-two participants completed the first survey and 73 completed the second. The most prominent educational needs in 2013 were palliative care and biomedical topics such as understanding AYA growth and development as well as specific AYA cancers and treatment. The second survey identified that palliative care education remained important; however, there was a shift toward health professionals request for more psychosocial and practical education on topics including fertility, sexuality, and managing late effects. Conclusion: To provide high-quality healthcare to AYAs with cancer, health professionals require ongoing opportunities for education and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]