Safe handling of hazardous drugs.
Recommendations for the safe handling of hazardous drugs have been available for more than twenty years. Evidence for continued risk of occupational exposure is abundant; however, nurses' use of the recommended precautions is not universal. This may be related to a lack of information or to a lack of serious concern for the potential hazards. This article includes a discussion of current issues related to handling hazardous drugs in the workplace and a review of the history of safe handling guidelines, current recommendations, and barriers to implementing guidelines in health care settings.
Southern Regional Health System in the South suburban Atlanta area, USA. marty.polovich@southernregional.org
Martha
M
Polovich
D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006801:Humans; D009729:Nursing / Q000295:instrumentation; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D010604:Pharmacy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations