The presentation will review evidence-based guidelines with a focus on the safe handling of hazardous drugs. Reviewing strategies for administration through disposal as well as strategies to help ensure patients received the prescribed dose while minimizing environmental exposure and protecting healthcare workers.
Many pharmacy workers and oncology nurses have a daily responsibility for preparing and administering hazardous drugs (HDs) used in the treatment of cancer. It is important to prioritize careful handling of these HDs to minimize healthcare worker exposure and the associated adverse health effects and to reduce contamination of the workplace.1 This discussion will review the evidence-based guidelines including those set by ONS, USP, NIOSH, and ASHP with a focus on the safe handling of hazardous drugs. There will be a review of HD administration strategies through disposal as well as strategies to help ensure patients received the prescribed dose while minimizing environmental exposure and protecting healthcare workers. This interactive discussion will show key highlights from a 2024 ONS Symposium presented by MiKaela Olsen and AnnMarie Walton in addition to them fielding live questions from webinar attendees.
Objectives:
- Review the state of the science on adverse health effects of occupational exposure to hazardous drugs (HDs).
- Explain evidence-based guidelines for safe administration of HDs while ensuring accurate and complete delivery.
- Describe evidence-based guidelines for HD surface contamination wipe sampling.
- Explain strategies for minimizing drug waste to ensure patients receive their full prescribed dose.
