Ten Simple Strategies to Prevent Chemotherapy Errors

Abstract

Safety experts currently recommend using technology to prevent medication errors. Computerized prescriber order entry, automated medication-dispensing machines, and bar coding are a few of the technologies being advocated to promote safety. Simple, easily implemented safety strategies to prevent chemotherapy errors should not be overlooked and include consistent use of a reliable method to verify patient identity, metric measurement, and workplace illumination and organization. Other strategies are elimination of abbreviations and acronyms, provision of up-to-date information at the point of care, and partnering with patients for safety. These strategies can be customized for use in a variety of practice settings. Oncology nurses are at the forefront of chemotherapy error-prevention initiatives and play a key role in implementing safety measures.

Improving Patient Safety With Error Identification in Chemotherapy Orders by Verification Nurses

“…The lack of national benchmarks for safety in this area makes comparison of systems difficult to evaluate. The literature is clear that implementing standardized systems can facilitate safer chemotherapy administration (Ranchon et al, 2012; Schulmeister, 2005; Watts & Parsons, 2013). The integration of the VN role into the chemotherapy workflow at the comprehensive cancer center discussed in this article has been successful in minimizing errors and maintaining safety in the chemotherapy administration process.…”

“…In 1995, a report of a patient death from an overdose of chemotherapy at a major medical center prompted many cancer centers to reexamine their processes for safe chemotherapy administration (Schulmeister, 2005). At the same time, care delivery shifted significantly from the inpatient to the outpatient setting, presenting new challenges related to higher volumes, time constraints, and lower levels of clinician control (Gandhi, Bartel, et al, 2005).…”

“…Measures to reduce the incidence of medication errors range widely, such as the implementation of computerized physician order entry (CPOE), computerized clinical decision support systems, standardization of prescribing vocabulary, communication improvements, and barcode technology (Ranchon et al, 2012; Schulmeister, 2005; Watts & Parsons, 2013). Recommendations like CPOE may improve safety related to the use of standardized templates, as well as the opportunity to imbed alerts when deviations from the guidelines occur (Bonnabry et al, 2006; Cheng et al, 2012; Kullberg et al, 2013).…”

Light for Nurses' Work in the 21st Century

“…This search resulted in 11 review articles,* 3 editorial pieces, [32][33][34] and an additional 7 empiric studies [35][36][37][38][39][40][41] that included some mention of both lighting and the medication process. Content related to visual perception or the impact of natural light on circadian rhythms and well-being was excluded as well as general surveys of the environment that did not include lighting.…”

Oral chemotherapy safety practices at US cancer centres: questionnaire survey

“…[2][3][4] Given the potential toxicities of oral chemotherapy and the importance of adherence for successful treatment, ensuring safe use of these drugs may require special safeguards. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The extent to which such safety practices have been introduced into clinical care is unknown.…”