Chemotherapy drug handling in first opinion small animal veterinary practices in the United Kingdom: results of a questionnaire survey

Edery, E. G.

doi:10.1136/vr.104154

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…This involves having updated safe handling guidelines and policies that reflect current evidence. Edery 53 conducted a study in veterinary practices and found that implementation of stricter guidelines was an important factor in reducing exposure to cytotoxic agents. 53 This was similar to studies that suggest updated policies may improve safe handling behaviours.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Barriers and facilitators for the safe handling of antineoplastic drugs

Fazel

Keefe²,

Shareef

et al. 2021

J Oncol Pharm Pract

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Introduction Antineoplastic drugs are widely used in the treatment of cancer. However, some are known carcinogens and reproductive toxins, and incidental low-level exposure to workers is a health concern. CAREX Canada estimated that approximately 75,000 Canadians are exposed to antineoplastic drugs in workplace settings. While policies and guidelines on safe handling of antineoplastic drugs are available, evidence suggests that compliance is low. In this paper, we identify barriers and facilitators for safe handling of antineoplastic drugs in workplace settings. Methods We utilized a unique method to study public policy which involved compiling policy levers, developing a logic model, conducting a literature review, and contextualizing data through a deliberative process with stakeholders to explore in-depth contextual factors and experiences for the safe handling of antineoplastic drugs. Results The most common barriers identified in the literature were: poor training (46%), poor safety culture (41%), and inconsistent policies (36%). The most common facilitators were: adequate safety training (41%), leadership support (23%), and consistent policies (21%). Several of these factors are intertwined and while this means one barrier can cause other barriers, it also allows healthcare employers to mitigate these barriers by implementing small but meaningful changes in the workplace. Conclusion The combination of barriers and facilitators identified in our review highlight the importance of creating work environments where safety is a priority for the safe handling of antineoplastic drugs. The results of this study will assist policy makers and managers in identifying gaps and enhancing strategies that reduce occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Edery 53 conducted a study in veterinary practices and found that implementation of stricter guidelines was an important factor in reducing exposure to cytotoxic agents. 53 This was similar to studies that suggest updated policies may improve safe handling behaviours. 44,54 Several stakeholders concurred with this finding.…”

Section: Poor Trainingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Barriers and facilitators for the safe handling of antineoplastic drugs

Fazel

Keefe²,

Shareef

et al. 2021

J Oncol Pharm Pract

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“…Owners of animals undergoing chemotherapy may be poorly informed and despite the fact that chemotherapy is becoming a more common therapy there have been no large scale studies on the prevalence and incidence of side-effects associated with this treatment [32]. Of additional concern is that the public health risks associated with the use of chemotherapeutic agents may not be given adequate attention in veterinary practice [43]. Importantly, cancer-associated pain has been found to be underdiagnosed in companion animals leading to inadequate pain management and diminished quality of life [4,44].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Use of Chemotherapy to Prolong the Life of Dogs Suffering from Cancer: The Ethical Dilemma

Stephens

2019

Animals

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Despite the emergence some years ago of oncology as a veterinary specialty, there has been very little in the way of ethical debate on the use of chemotherapy in dogs. The purpose of this article is to undertake an ethical analysis to critically examine the use of chemotherapy to prolong the life of dogs suffering from cancer. If dogs have no concept of the future and are likely to suffer at least some adverse effects with such treatments, consideration should be given as to whether it is ethical and in the animal’s best interests to use chemotherapy. Chemotherapeutic drugs are mutagenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic and may be irritant. Furthermore, chemotherapy may involve multiple trips to the veterinarian, multiple procedures and periods in isolation. Cancer-associated pain has been shown to be under-diagnosed and pet owners overestimate the effects of chemotherapy on treatment survival time. Of additional concern is the public health risks associated with chemotherapeutic drugs. As chemotherapy is not generally considered curative, it is in effect palliative care. However, palliative care may not be in the best interests of a terminally ill animal. As the specialty of veterinary oncology continues to grow and as the use of chemotherapy becomes more commonplace in the treatment of animals with cancer, it is imperative that there is an ongoing ethical debate on the use of chemotherapy in animals.

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“…To match this increase, general veterinary practitioners are becoming more confident with the techniques of chemotherapy administration and knowledge of available protocols. A recent survey found that nearly 70 per cent of general veterinary practitioners were offering chemotherapy regularly to their patients (Edery 2017). Commonly used chemotherapy protocols in general practice are COP/CHOP (vincristine, cyclophosphamide, prednisolone ± doxorubicin) for lymphoma and vinblastine/prednisolone for mast cell tumour disease.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%