Use of hazardous substances in the care of rural cancer patients. Current practice standards.

A growing number of rural cancer patients are receiving chemotherapy in hometown clinics and hospitals. Local access to cancer care offers many advantages to patients and providers, but is it safe to give intravenous chemotherapy? What precautions should be taken? Most physicians are well aware of the regulations pertaining to the use of universal precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. A similar approach should be used for hazardous substances. As health care leaders and employers, physicians need to known the risk of exposing employees and themselves to potentially hazardous substances like chemotherapeutic agents. This paper offers current information for physicians to consider when providing cancer care in local health care facilities.