Scalp Cooling: Implementation of a Program at a Multisite Organization

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is a well-known side effect of some types of cancer treatments. With U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance of two scalp cooling machines, patients with cancer now have the opportunity to minimize this hair loss. However, multiple barriers can exist for organizations when establishing a scalp cooling program.

Objectives: This article describes the experience of a large multisite organization that implemented a machine-based scalp cooling program.

Methods: Nursing staff led an interprofessional team that addressed components of the program. As a result, eight sites within the authors' organization simultaneously began offering scalp cooling via machine using a single unified process. This approach was then successfully replicated one year later to prepare six additional sites to launch scalp cooling for other solid tumor types beyond breast cancer.

Findings: Using a structured, collaborative, and interprofessional approach to the implementation of a scalp cooling program at the authors' institution allowed for standardization of care across sites. This approach can be replicated at other healthcare institutions.

Keywords: alopecia prevention; program implementation; scalp cooling; staff training.