The Factors That Influence Chemotherapy Exposure Among Nurses: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Background: Exposure to chemotherapy is an occupational hazard predisposing nurses to severe health effects. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify the recent literature describing the risk factors for occupational exposure to chemotherapy among nurses. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology was employed to conduct the review. The databases searched were Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL using the search terms “chemotherapy,” “drugs,” “exposure,” and “nurses.” Included articles were published between January 2010 and February 2022, published in peer-reviewed journals for research conducted in the United States, and written in English language. Excluded articles were studies that did not involve nurses in their samples. Review articles, books, theses, and dissertations were excluded as well. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model was used to assess the level of evidence from the reviewed studies. Findings: Fourteen studies were included in this review. Ten studies were rated on Evidence Level III, two on Evidence Level II, one on Evidence Level I, and one on Evidence Level V. The main risk factors for occupational exposure were nurses’ knowledge of chemotherapy handling guidelines, nurses’ adherence to using the personal protective equipment, nurses’ health beliefs regarding chemotherapy exposure, and workplace-related factors such as workload and managerial support. Conclusion: Addressing the identified risk factors would protect nurses from chemotherapy exposure. More research on nurses’ health beliefs regarding chemotherapy exposure and the cues to adhere to chemotherapy handling guidelines in the work environment is needed.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the oncology nurses health behaviors determinants scale: a cross-sectional study

“…In recent years, the increased utilization of antineoplastic drugs has led to a heightened risk of chemotherapy exposure among oncology nurses, resulting in continuous harm to their bodies ( 21 , 22 ). Therefore, establishing a safe working environment to ensure the occupational protection of oncology nurses during chemotherapy is of utmost importance.…”

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Oncology NursesHealth Behaviors Determinants Scale

“…The occupational protection of nurses has always been the focus of our attention.Previous studies have investigated the current situation of occupational exposure of dental nurses and the occupational health risk factors of nurses working in the operating room [22,23].As a high risk group of occupational exposure, it is very important for nurses in oncology department to prevent occupational exposure.According to a survey, most oncology nurses believe they are at risk of occupational exposure [24].Professor Abu-Alhaija summarized that the main risk factors for occupational exposure of oncology nurses are nurses' health beliefs about chemotherapy exposure, nurses' understanding of chemotherapy management guidelines, nurses' adherence to personal protective equipment, and workplace-related factors [25].At present, there is no scale to analyze the factors affecting the health behavior of nurses in oncology department from the perspective of compliance with safety guidelines.Oncology Nurses Health Behaviors Determinants Scale solves this problem well.To measure the in uencing factors of chemotherapy exposure and health behavior of oncology nurses is bene cial to promote their compliance with the guidelines for safe management of chemotherapy. It is of great signi cance to strengthen personal belief and guarantee the life and health of nursing staff.…”