Medical day hospital (oncology)

TREATMENT AT THE MEDICAL DAY HOSPITAL 

You have recently been informed that you need to undergo chemotherapy or a similar treatment. This treatment is administered during regular sessions at the medical day hospital.

Despite the uneasiness you probably feel about this news, know that you will be treated by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, whose sole objective is to make your stay in our department as pleasant as possible.

We will do our utmost so that a relationship of trust is established between you and the care team.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE?

Here is how a chemotherapy session is conducted at the day hospital: 

1. Blood test and administration of maintenance infusion via the implanted port or via a peripheral line. As soon as your blood test results are known, the oncologist prescribes your treatment.  The pharmacy receives the doctor's prescription and prepares the medication.
2. Initiation of premedication in preparation for the administration of chemotherapy. This premedication allows for better tolerance to the treatment, by decreasing the risk of side effects.
3. Chemotherapy administration and likely monitoring of the vital signs. 
   The length of stay varies according to the type of treatment prescribed. At the end of your treatment, the infusion will be removed after rinsing the implanted port, if applicable.

One accompanying person is of course welcome. 

HOME LIFE BETWEEN TREATMENTS

If you have any concerns at home between the courses of chemotherapy, please do not hesitate to contact us. The nursing team, cancer care coordinator and/or the secretary can answer your questions, advise you or direct you to the most suitable person depending on your request.
However, if you develop a fever (from 38°C) or other symptoms, go to the emergency ward without hesitation. A team is on call 24/07 for the oncology-haematology department.
We hope that this leaflet answered your main questions. Know that the ultimate success of your treatment will be obtained through partnership and a relationship of trust established between you and the care team.