Morgan Horton
October 2017
Morgan
Horton
,
BSN, RN, CCRC
Oncology Clinical Trials
Lehigh Valley Hospital
Allentown
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

I work in Oncology Clinical Trials. The studies in which our patients are enrolled are sometimes the last possible treatment option available. This was the case with a particular gentleman who arrived for the infusion of a clinical trial medication. Within the first hour, the patient had an infusion reaction. The infusion was halted, and his reaction was treated appropriately by the staff. Per protocol, his infusion was re-started. Nearing the one-hour mark on the second attempt, the patient again had a reaction; this one more severe. The patient could be re-challenged one more time; however, this is a slow and time-consuming process. To start again, in the late afternoon, would mean that the infusion wouldn't end until late in the night. The infusion could not be held until the next day. If the patient did not receive this treatment, he could no longer participate in the trial and would have no treatment options left. Morgan Horton, RN, offered to stay and infuse the patient's trial medication. Morgan and our director stayed with this patient until his infusion was complete; which wasn't until after 9 pm. Morgan then drew required labs, spun blood and completed all of the components required by the trial protocols. She left at 10 pm that night, after a 14-hour day. Not missing a beat, she was back at the office at 8 am the next morning. Her willingness to stay well beyond the workday ensured that our patient received the opportunity to complete his treatment. Morgan will likely say that this was no big deal, but I can tell you that the opportunity to extend his life meant a great deal to the patient.