Safe handling: implementing hazardous drug precautions
Occupational exposure to chemotherapy is a significant and ubiquitous danger to oncology nurses. The Oncology Clinical Nurse III/IV leadership group at the University of North Carolina Hospitals embarked on the challenge of a comprehensive standards review regarding personal protective equipment necessary when handling waste after hazardous drug administration. This review led to practice improvements in education, the use of chemotherapy-rated gloves when handling hazardous waste, and changes in the disposal options available to staff. A discharge teaching pamphlet on safe handling for the caregivers of patients receiving hazardous drugs was created and piloted.
Department of Inpatient Oncology, University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill, USA. awalton@unch.unc.edu
Ann Marie L
0000-0002-1756-4262
AM
Walton
Susan
S
Mason
Michele
M
Busshart
Angela D
AD
Spruill
Summer
S
Cheek
Ashley
A
Lane
Kathy
K
Sabo
Amanda
A
Taylor
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006801:Humans; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011481:Protective Clothing; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal