Initiation of a home hemotherapy program using a primary nursing model

A home hemotherapy pilot study was implemented based on a primary nursing model. Seventy-one patients received a total of 248 units of red blood cells and 104 units of platelets during 137 home transfusions. In no case did a clinical change in patient status require the interruption of the transfusion. Total nursing time for the pretransfusion, transfusion, and posttransfusion follow-up visits for each patient averaged 4.36 hours, while another 4.45 hours accounted for nurse travel to and from the home and the blood bank. Home hemotherapy is a viable option for selected homebound patients. Program success is dependent on staff education, strict clinical guidelines, and an acknowledgment of the time required to provide quality patient care.