ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nurses and other healthcare workers are at risk for adverse health consequences from occupational exposure to hazardous drugs. OBJECTIVES: An evidence-based program for nurses was implemented to improve safe handling practices and reduce exposure to hazardous drugs. METHODS: A quasiexperimental design was used, with pre- and post-tests of knowledge about chemotherapy exposure and pre- and post-test observations of compliance with donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE). Surface wipe tests were conducted to determine hazardous drug contamination in care areas. A toolkit of interventions, including hazardous drug identification, standardization of PPE, and education, was used. FINDINGS: Mean knowledge scores of chemotherapy improved after education. Correct donning of PPE was high before and after the intervention, and the correct doffing sequence improved postintervention. One sample was positive for 5-fluorouracil, affirming the difficulty of maintaining an environment free of contamination.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Hazardous Substances/adverse effects , Occupational Exposure/prevention & control , Occupational Health , Oncology Nursing/education , Safety Management/standards , Academic Medical Centers , Adult , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Female , Hazardous Substances/administration & dosage , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Oncology Service, Hospital , Protective Clothing , Risk Assessment , United StatesABSTRACT
Because of their involvement in the transport, handling, preparation, administration, or disposal of hazardous medications, health care workers across multiple settings are at risk for adverse health consequences from exposure to these drugs. This review presents evidence-based strategies to mitigate the harmful exposures. These include engineering controls, full use of personal protective equipment, medical and environmental monitoring, hazard identification, and the need for a comprehensive hazardous drug control program that includes education and training for health care workers.
Subject(s)
Guidelines as Topic , Hazardous Substances , Health Personnel , Occupational Exposure/prevention & control , Pharmaceutical Preparations , Safety Management , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Evidence-Based Practice , Humans , Occupational Health , Protective ClothingABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine the minimum discard volume from central venous catheters (CVCs) to avoid dilution or contamination from flush or IV fluids. In 93 adult patients with CVCs, minimum discard volume findings were 9 ml for tunneled and 6 ml for nontunneled catheters. Nurses who obtain samples from CVCs are uniquely positioned to minimize blood loss from sampling.