Evaluation of knowledge and practice of handling chemotherapy agents by nurses: a multi-centre studies in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Along with several significant factors in chemotherapy treatment management’s nurses plays the pivotal role. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of nurses in relation to handling chemotherapy and the current practice of cancer centers in different hospitals in Bangladesh.Methods: The cross-sectional study was designed based on anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed from literature and expert input and validated by subject experts.Results: A total of 96 nurses were the respondents in this study. Around half of them already exposed directly with chemotherapy agents. Some 72.9% of nurses had not any training and 58.3% of respondents were not aware about use of closed system transfer devise in chemotherapy. A greater proportion 58.3% of nurses did not know the same health hazard of both oral and parenteral drugs. One third (33.3%) respondents used biological safety cabinet for doing preparation. Nurses’ did not use especial personal protective equipment and the designed treatment room also was absent. None of nurses went through regular medical checkup.Conclusions: The evidence-based results suggested that nurses have average knowledge about chemotherapy handling, however, use of personal protective equipment and biological safety cabinet, follow guidelines, medical surveillance and training are appeared to be a hindrance. More fundamentally, nurses need more education and professional training about chemotherapy agents handling in nursing school and through in-service continuing education as well as adopt required facilities are necessary.

Chemotherapy Safe Handling through Educating Nurses: A Pre-Experimental Study

“…Moreover, it has been observed that nurses who have in-depth knowledge on drug handling were very confident than those with average understanding [13]. Hosen MS, et al also reported similar findings [14].…”

“…Similarly, study conducted by Angel RG, et al showed mean knowledge score of Pre-test 6.78 (± 1.24) and post-test 19.11 (± 1.23) and the 't' value of 44.63 which is significant at 0.001 level of significance [15]. Another study conducted by Hosen MS, et al also reported that nurses do not have adequate knowledge about use of personal safety equipment's and regarding safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs [14]. Furthermore, the current study discerns that the level of knowledge regarding safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs among nurses was significantly associated…”

“…Section I: Socio-demographic characteristics including age, gender, educational qualification, years of experience, Attended any certification course on oncology nursing? Section II: Structured knowledge questionnaire on safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs -It consist of thirty (30) multiple choice questions to assess knowledge on safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs and the knowledge score was arbitrarily classified as Good (21-30), Average (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) and Poor (1-10). Section III: Observational practice checklist regarding safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs -It consists of 16-items to assess practice on safe handling of chemotherapeutic drug and the practice score will be arbitrarily classified as Very Good (13-16), Average (9-12), Poor (5-8) and Very Poor (1-4) (Annexure).…”

Environmental Contamination and Occupational Exposure of Algerian Hospital Workers

“…Education and training can raise awareness of hospital personnel on the potential hazards of working with cytostatic agents. Previous research in low-and middle-income countries showed that this could be a reason for non-compliancy with safety guidelines (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23). Some extremely high levels of cytostatics were probably caused by spilling and remained on the surfaces by inadequate cleaning or cleaning protocols.…”

“…Since engineering controls such as biosafety cabinets are costly, healthcare workers in low-and middle-income countries have to rely more on other measures to control hazard (e.g., personal protective equipment) (17). However, studies on safe handling of cytostatic drugs among healthcare workers in middle-income countries reported insufficient or complete lack of specialized training, inappropriate cleaning procedures and a high variability in awareness of potential hazards and use of personal protective equipment (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23). In general, these studies indicate the need for a better implementation of guidelines.…”