title: Development of a policy and procedure for accidental chemotherapy overdose.
abstract: A policy regarding rapid response to chemotherapy overdoses was developed by the authors in an attempt to minimize morbidity and mortality. The parameters of a chemotherapy overdose were defined to promote early recognition of an overdose incident. Resources needed to guide potential therapeutic interventions and required monitoring were developed. The policy defines the immediate actions to be taken in the event of a chemotherapy overdose. The availability of a chemotherapy overdose policy provides an enhanced level of safety for patients by ensuring that appropriate treatment is initiated without delay. The development of the policy was in response to the reporting of a tragic error at another institution. Healthcare providers must recognize and address potential areas of vulnerability to maximize patient safety.
authors: Department of Pharmacy, Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven.
authors: Wendelin K
authors: WK
authors: Nelson
authors: Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT.
authors: Joan
authors: J
authors: Moore
authors: Self-Employed Oncology Nurse Consultant, Middletown, CT.
authors: Judith A
authors: JA
authors: Grasso
authors: Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven.
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Barbarotta
authors: School of Medicine, Yale Cancer Center in New Haven.
authors: David S
authors: DS
authors: Fischer
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004282:Documentation; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: chemotherapy; overdose; policy