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Psychology, family and everyday life

The ward: a safe and comfortable space

Leukemia treatment often uses single or double rooms; transplant units may have rooms with filtered (HEPA) air. This section covers ward rules and comfort.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Wall-mounted soap and hand-sanitiser dispensers
Figure 1.Hand hygiene on the ward

01Short answer

In the room: keep the door closed if that is the rule, and everyone cleans their hands with hand rub on entering. Keep surfaces clear so cleaning is easy. Learn the call button, lights and bed controls. Fresh flowers, potted plants and dried flowers are often not allowed (“Plants and soil: greenery, with care”). Do not keep food in the room for long. Do not hesitate to call at night, especially for dizziness, bleeding or a temperature. Rules differ between hospitals, so ask the nurse.

02Simple explanation

Hand rub at the door.

Surfaces clear.

The call button.

Flowers and plants: ask.

03Scientific explanation

Infection control: hand hygiene and clean surfaces reduce hospital-acquired infections.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

HEPA

Filtered air in transplant rooms reduces fungal spores.

Falls

A night light and the call button help prevent falls.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
HEPAFiltered air in transplant rooms reduces fungal spores.
FallsA night light and the call button help prevent falls.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

HEPA filter
A filter that removes small particles from the air.
Isolation
A separate room to protect against infection.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Hand rub.
  • Clean surfaces.
  • Call.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can the door stay open?

It depends on the unit's rules.

My roommate is coughing.

Tell the nurse.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can the door stay open?

  2. My roommate is coughing.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  6. American Cancer Society. What a Cancer Caregiver Does
  7. Blood Cancer UK. Preventing infection
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People at Increased Risk for Illness from Animals
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Aspergillosis Basics
  10. Journal of Clinical Oncology (ASCO and IDSA), 2018. Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Adult Patients With Cancer-Related Immunosuppression: ASCO and IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline Update
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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