Oncology Nurses Inadvertently Exposed to Chemotherapy

Of the nurses who work in outpatient chemotherapy infusion centers, nearly 17% reported having been exposed on their skin or eyes to the toxic drugs they administer, according to a new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Approximately 84% of chemotherapy is administered in outpatient settings, often by nurses. This study included 1339 oncology nurses who were not employed by inpatient hospital units. Results appear online in the journal BMJ Quality and Safety.

The study showed that medical practices with greater staffing and resources reported fewer exposures. Furthermore, practices that required 2 or more nurses to verify chemotherapy orders had fewer exposures.

“This research shows that paying attention to the workload, the health of an organization, and the quality of working conditions pays off. It’s not just about job satisfaction – it’s likely to lower the risk of these occupational hazards,” says lead study author Christopher Friese, RN, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.

Relating a chemotherapy exposure to a direct health effect is difficult. Hence, it is a greater challenge for healthcare systems to act in response to these exposure incidents. Inadvertent chemotherapy exposure can damage the reproductive system, affect the nervous system, and impart a risk of blood cancers in the future.

Organizations such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have published safety guidelines for chemotherapy drug administration. These recommendations include using gowns, gloves, and other protective gear when handling chemotherapy drugs. However, the guidelines are not mandatory.

“If we ensure patient safety, we should also ensure employee safety by strictly adhering to the national safety guidelines and providing staff education on these guidelines,” Friese says.

Reference: Friese CR, Himes-Ferris L, Frasier MN, et al. Structures and processes of care in ambulatory oncology settings and nurse-reported exposure to chemotherapy [published online ahead of print August 16, 2011]. BMJ Quality and Safety.

Source: University of Michigan