Faster Recovery, Closer to Home: The Role of Outpatient Infusions

Feb 03, 2025

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February 3-7th marks Ambulatory Nurses Week, a time to recognize the vital role these skilled professionals play in our healthcare system. This year, let's shine a light on a valuable service often overlooked: outpatient infusions.

Infusions are a specialized form of medication delivery administered intravenously, through a PICC line (central catheter), or by injection. Patients with autoimmune illnesses requiring IV antibiotics, biologics, and those needing regular infusions for chronic conditions can greatly benefit from this service.

Donna Jones, BSN, RN, ambulatory care nurse at William Newton Hospital in Winfield, explains that antibiotics help keep infection low until the body can fight it off, while biologics help suppress the immune system.

Jones emphasizes, “One never knows when an infection will occur or a chronic illness will crop up and an infusion is needed.”

These treatments require the expertise of registered nurses and offer numerous advantages compared to traditional hospital stays:

• Faster Recovery: Timely access to infusions can accelerate recovery and enable patients to return to their normal activities sooner.
• Increased Independence: Outpatient infusions empower patients with greater independence and control over their treatment plans.
• Improved Overall Health: Consistent access to necessary medications can significantly improve overall health outcomes and quality of life for patients with chronic conditions.
• Reduced Stress: Receiving infusions locally in the comfort of a familiar environment minimizes the stress and anxiety associated with traveling to larger medical centers.
• Convenience: Outpatient infusions offer flexibility, allowing patients to maintain their daily routines as much as possible.
• Potential for Lower Overall Costs: Reduced travel saves patients valuable time and money on transportation, lodging, and other associated costs. Outpatient care can also be more cost-effective than inpatient hospital stays.

The William Newton Hospital infusion team provides care within the H. L. Snyder Medical Foundation Surgery Center and works with patients and their physicians to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and preferences.

"We can perform any infusion that can be done in a larger facility, right here in our community," Jones adds. "We prioritize patient comfort and strive to create a welcoming environment."

Speak with your healthcare provider to learn more about whether outpatient infusions are the right choice for you, and join William Newton Hospital in recognizing the contributions of ambulatory care nurses.

Editorial Notes: This article was submitted for the "Weekend Check-Up," a regular health column in the Cowley CourierTraveler penned by employees and friends of William Newton Hospital.