title: Caregiver survey results related to handling of oral chemotherapy for pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Oral chemotherapy is commonly administered in the home; however, there may be harmful effects on healthy individuals who handle these medications. Caregivers of pediatric patients were surveyed to establish educational needs for safe handling of oral chemotherapy agents.
  
  
  METHODS
  An 11-question self-report survey was developed to characterize handling practices for patients in maintenance therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia related to caregiver education, use of protective gear, preparation, and disposal of oral chemotherapy agents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty questionnaires were collected. Seventy-two percent of responders reported receiving instruction on safe handling of oral chemotherapy. Ninety percent of responders reported that they did not utilize protective gear during preparation of oral chemotherapy. Although tablet crushers were designated for use with oral chemotherapy by 61% of responders, 22% used the same device to crush other nonchemotherapy medications. The majority of responders disposed of medication waste with regular garbage or poured the remainder down the sink.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Caregiver survey responses demonstrated that personal safeguards were not routinely utilized by pediatric caregivers while handling oral chemotherapy. Future educational efforts should be directed to improve caregiver understanding related to the use of protective equipment, designation of supplies for use with chemotherapy agents, and safe disposal.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Department, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. kheld@cmh.edu
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Held
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Judy M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Champion
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: August
authors.forename: Mohamed A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Radhi
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents