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Campos D, Silva I, Rego M, Correia P, Moreira F. Characterization of education, technical practices and attitudes of Portuguese pharmacy technicians towards manipulation of cytotoxic drugs. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024; 30:893-901. [PMID: 37489259 PMCID: PMC11179318 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231190025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacy professionals that manipulate cytotoxic drugs need to undergo educational programs, adopt the most convenient practices, and use appropriate equipment to avoid, as far as possible, occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs. The main goal of this work is to characterize the education, technical practices, and attitudes towards cytotoxic drugs, of Portuguese pharmacy technicians. A questionnaire comprising eleven questions deemed pertinent was elaborated and subsequently validated by a pilot test. The anonymous, web-based survey was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023, by graduated pharmacy technicians that had manipulated cytotoxic drugs between 2017 and 2022. A total of 77 pharmacy technicians responded to the survey. Although sixty-six pharmacy technicians (86%) had been trained before beginning to manipulate cytotoxic drugs, the promotion of regular post-admission training by the institutions is sparse - only assumed by 53% of the pharmacy technicians (n = 41). All participants reported using gloves and gown during manipulation and the use of double gloves was common (99%; n = 76). Compliances with the recommended limit time for uninterrupted manipulation activity (82%; n = 63) and systematic double-checking (86%; n = 66) were high, but the regular use of sterile gauze around syringe connection sites 58% (n = 45), was less frequent. None of the surveyed pharmacy technicians used closed-system transfer devices (CSTD) and 41 (53%) of those who used spikes did not thoughtfully use these devices. The implementation of regular training programs in manipulating cytotoxic drugs should be fostered, to promote the more judicious use of engineering controls and transversal adoption of the safest technical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Campos
- Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Silva
- Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Rego
- Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Correia
- Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde e Ambiente, Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Moreira
- Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde e Ambiente, Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal
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Cotteret C, Secretan PH, Gilles-Afchain L, Rousseau J, Vidal F, Salguero-Hernandez G, Batista J, Valverde V, Guitton J, Cisternino S, Schlatter J. External contamination of antineoplastic drug vials: an occupational risk to consider. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2022; 29:284-286. [PMID: 32978219 PMCID: PMC9660623 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2020-002440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk management for workers involved in the handling and preparation of cytotoxic drugs is challenging. This study aims to investigate drug contamination of the exterior surfaces of cytotoxic drug vials. Two batches of commercially available cytotoxic drugs in unprotected vials (ifosfamide, etoposide phosphate and cyclophosphamide) and plastic shrink wrap vials (doxorubicin, cytarabine and busulfan) were tested without removing the flip-off cap or the plastic wrap, and without prewashing. The results showed significant trace amounts of cytotoxic drugs on the exterior surfaces in both unprotected (eg, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide) and protected plastic shrink wrap vials (eg, cytarabine), indicating that the secondary packaging of protected vials does not systematically prevent exposure to the handlers. These results focus on the need for guidelines to prevent cytotoxic vial contamination and safety recommendations for staff in the handling and storage of these vials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Cotteret
- Pharmacie clinique, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Julia Rousseau
- Pharmacie clinique, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Vidal
- Pharmacie clinique, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | | | - Jonathan Batista
- Pharmacie clinique, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Vicky Valverde
- Pharmacie clinique, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Jerome Guitton
- Pharmacy, Centre Régional de Lutte Contre le Cancer Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Salvatore Cisternino
- Pharmacie clinique, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, Inserm UMR-S1144, Paris, France
| | - Joël Schlatter
- Pharmacie clinique, Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
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3
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Eisenberg S. Closed safety system for administration (CSSA): proposal for a new cytotoxic chemotherapy acronym. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2022; 31:S26-S32. [PMID: 35648666 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2022.31.10.s26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to cytotoxic chemotherapy can result in acute and chronic conditions including nausea, headaches, rashes, miscarriages, infertility and genetic aberrations. Surface contamination can occur during drug administration, and can subsequently spread throughout the healthcare environment. Dermal contact with contaminated surfaces can lead to drug absorption. Closed system drug-transfer devices (CSTDs) were initially developed to protect pharmacists during compounding. Components include a vial adapter to prevent pressurisation leakage and a syringe connector for transferring the drug to the intravenous infusion bag. Membrane-based CSTDs require a Luer adapter for drug administration whereas Luer system-based products do not. Most European nurses are familiar with needleless connectors. Unfortunately, these devices do not provide protection from chemotherapy exposure. To decrease confusion, CytoPrevent, a multi-national, primarily European organisation has proposed the term 'closed safety system for administration' (CSSA) for Luer based CSTDs. Along with education, the new term can help promote safety for nurses administering cytotoxic chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Eisenberg
- Professional Practice Coordinator, Infusion Services, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington USA
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Batista KC, Sousa KHJF, Ruas CADS, Zeitoune RCG. Knowledge about antineoplastic drugs: implications for the health of nursing workers in a general hospital. Rev Bras Enferm 2021; 75:e20210025. [PMID: 34669829 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2021-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to understand, from a worker's health perspective, the knowledge of nursing professionals about the use of antineoplastic drugs in a general hospital. METHODS a descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach. It was conducted at a university hospital, between April and August 2018, with 35 nursing professionals who responded to a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was used for data treatment. RESULTS from the data, three thematic categories emerged, related to the nursing professionals' knowledge about antineoplastic drugs and their effects on workers' health; situations in which exposure to these drugs occurs; and protection mechanisms for the patient, the environment, and the worker. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS the nursing professionals had little knowledge about antineoplastic drugs. The practices related to handling and the necessary protective measures to deal with these drugs were empirically determined and relatively subsidized the knowledge acquired by the professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kely Cristine Batista
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Fazel SS, Keefe A, Shareef A, Palmer AL, Brenner DR, Nakashima L, Koehoorn MW, McLeod CB, Hall AL, Peters CE. Barriers and facilitators for the safe handling of antineoplastic drugs. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2021; 28:1709-1721. [PMID: 34612752 DOI: 10.1177/10781552211040176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
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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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad S Fazel
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, 3146Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,70401Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Arshiya Shareef
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, 3146Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alison L Palmer
- CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Darren R Brenner
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, 3146Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,70401Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Mieke W Koehoorn
- School of Population and Public Health, 120479University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Partnership for Work, Health and Safety, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chris B McLeod
- School of Population and Public Health, 120479University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Partnership for Work, Health and Safety, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy L Hall
- 142123Government of Canada, Charlottetown Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Cheryl E Peters
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, 3146Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,70401Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Ghiyasi S, Nabizadeh H, Jazari MD, Soltanzadeh A, Heidari H, Fardi A, Movahed E. The effect of personal protective equipment on thermal stress: An experimental study on firefighters. Work 2021; 67:141-147. [PMID: 32955479 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various parameters can affect the performance of firefighters. Thermal stress in firefighters is one of the most important harmful factors, which causes impaired performance and subsequent occupational accidents. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of personal protective equipment (PPE) on thermal stress in firefighters. MATERIALS AND METHODS This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 30 firefighters. Heart rate, metabolism and temperature parameters were measured with and without using PPE in a simulated standard chamber. Then, the two indices of predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD) were calculated. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS The results showed that PPE-induced weight directly increased heart rate and indirectly led to an increase in metabolism and temperature as well as significant changes in PMV and PPD indices (p < 0.001). In addition, our results showed that the effect of thermal resistance of clothing (Clo) on PMV and PPD indices was very high (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The findings of the study indicated that heat stress in firefighters is influenced by PPE weight and thermal resistance of clothing. Therefore, cooling vests can be used to reduce the thermal stress induced by temperature rise resulted from metabolism, PPE weight and thermal resistance of clothing. Reduced thermal stress will lead to the cooling of body temperature to acceptable levels of PMV and PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Ghiyasi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Nabizadeh
- Department of Occupational Safety & Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Fars, Iran
| | - Milad Derakhshan Jazari
- Department of Occupational Safety & Hygiene Engineering, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Soltanzadeh
- Department of Occupational Safety & Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Heidari
- Department of Occupational Safety & Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Ali Fardi
- Department of Occupational Safety & Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Elham Movahed
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Department of HSE, Tehran Sewerage Company, Tehran, Iran
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Soheili M, Taleghani F, Jokar F, Eghbali-Babadi M, Sharifi M. Occupational stressors in oncology nurses: A qualitative descriptive study. J Clin Nurs 2021; 30:3171-3181. [PMID: 33960034 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVES The present study aims at exploring oncology nurses' perceptions regarding work-related stressors. BACKGROUND Oncology nurses work in an environment with a high degree of stress, which can negatively affect their health. There is limited research on work-related stressors from the oncology nurses' perspective. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive study. METHODS Fifty-two oncology nurses were selected purposefully from eight cancer treatment centres in different cities of Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using conventional content analysis. The COREQ checklist was used to document the report of the study. RESULTS The extracted contents were classified into four main categories. The first category involved personal ability with two subcategories (person-job fit and psychological competencies). The second category included physical environment arrangements with two subcategories (physical working conditions and equipment and facilities). The third category involved psychosocial safety in the workplace with four subcategories (creating a safe work environment, overcoming the challenges of providing care to cancer patients, work/life balance and social recognition of the nursing status). The fourth category holds an organisational context with four subcategories (organisational support, interpersonal relations, justice at work and human resources). CONCLUSION It is necessary to find measures attenuating work-related stresses in oncology nurses. These measures should be in line with developing personal abilities in nurses and creating a safe environment in terms of optimising physical, psychosocial and organisational conditions. It is also important to develop programmes protecting the oncology nurses' occupational health. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The results of this study can help improve nursing work conditions, attenuate work-related stresses in nurses and introduce efficient interventions reducing occupational stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Soheili
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fariba Taleghani
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fariba Jokar
- Medical Education department, Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Eghbali-Babadi
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehran Sharifi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Cancer Prevention Research Center, Seyyed Al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Exposure to Occupational Hazards among Health Care Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052603. [PMID: 33807727 PMCID: PMC7967386 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Health care workers are exposed to numerous workplace hazards. The implementation of safety measures in high-income countries has largely mitigated these risks. However, in many low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), resources to institute safety measures are lacking, increasing the risk of occupational exposures to these hazards. The aim of this scoping review is to map and synthesize the available research on occupational hazards among health care workers in LMICs, identify research gaps and inform policy. Searches for relevant articles were conducted in five electronic databases using a broad range of search terms. The inclusion criteria were: quantitative observational or experimental studies which examined exposure to one or more occupational hazards among health care workers in a LMCI; and the article was published in English in a peer-reviewed journal. A total of 99 studies met the inclusion criteria, and data were extracted from these studies. Large proportions of health care workers in LMICs were exposed to biological hazards (bloodborne pathogens, tuberculosis), psychosocial hazards (workplace violence, burnout, job dissatisfaction), ergonomic hazards (musculoskeletal complaints), and chemical hazards (exposure to latex and antineoplastic drugs). The implementation of risk reduction strategies was suboptimal. The majority of the literature was on biological hazards (48%), and research on other hazards was limited in comparison. Occupational safety needs to become a priority public health issue to protect health care workers in LMICs. More research is needed to understand the magnitude of the problem in these countries.
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Verscheure E, Creta M, Vanoirbeek J, Zakia M, Abdesselam T, Lebegge R, Poels K, Duca RC, Godderis L. Environmental Contamination and Occupational Exposure of Algerian Hospital Workers. Front Public Health 2020; 8:374. [PMID: 32850596 PMCID: PMC7419462 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Guidelines are in place to assure limited occupational exposure to cytostatic drugs. Even though this has led to a reduction in exposure, several studies reported quantifiable concentrations of these compounds in healthcare workers. In this study, we evaluated occupational exposure to cytostatic drugs in hospital workers from the University Hospital in Tlemcen, Algeria. Monitoring was performed by collecting wipe samples from surfaces, objects, personal protective equipment (gloves and masks) and from the skin of employees at an Algerian university hospital. Wipe samples were analyzed with ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. Concentrations ranged from below the limit of quantification up to 208.85, 23.45, 10.49, and 22.22 ng/cm2 for cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil, respectively. The highest values were observed in the oncology department. Nowadays, there are still no safe threshold limit values for occupational exposure to cytostatic agents. Therefore, contamination levels should be kept as low as reasonably achievable. Yet, healthcare workers in this hospital are still exposed to cytostatic agents, despite the numerous guidelines, and recommendations. Consequently, actions should be taken to reduce the presence of harmful agents in the work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Verscheure
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matteo Creta
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Vanoirbeek
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Meziane Zakia
- Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Service Médicine du Travail, Université Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen, Tlemcen, Algeria.,TOXICOMED Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Université Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Taleb Abdesselam
- Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Service Médicine du Travail, Université Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen, Tlemcen, Algeria.,TOXICOMED Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Université Abou Bekr Belkaid Tlemcen, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Robin Lebegge
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Poels
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Radu-Corneliu Duca
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,National Health Laboratory (LNS), Unit Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Idewe, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
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