Practices On Safe-Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs Among Oncology Nurses in Two Public Sector Hospitals

Abstract

Administration of cytotoxic medicines (CDs) and occupational exposure to them are global issues. Inappropriate handling can lead to harmful residues getting into patient care areas, hospitals, and even the homes of patients. Objectives: To access the practices of nurses regarding safe handling of cytotoxic drugs and to evaluate the association among the level of practices and socio-demographic profile of the participants. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among 183 nurses of oncology department of public sector tertiary care hospitals, Lahore, Pakistan. The nurses working in oncology departments of age ranges 20 years to 50 years and having at least six months’ experience in oncology units were included in the study. Results: The majority (56%) of the nurses reported “Good Practices” regarding safe handling of cytotoxic drugs followed by Fair practices (38%) and poor practices (6%). No significant association was reported among the level of practices and socio-demographic profile of the participants. Conclusions: Safe handling of cytotoxic drugs is very important aspect and the nurses can prevent their selves as well as the patients from complications. Overall, good practices were reported by the nurses regarding safe handling of cytotoxic drugs but still a large proportion of the nurses have fair and poor practices. Effective measures are needed to enhance the practices of nurse’s working in oncology nurses regarding safe handling of cytotoxic drugs