CN89 - In cancer care nursing, does the use of surface wipe sampling for hazardous drugs lead to a safer occupational environment, in an outpatient and inpatient oncology/haematology setting? An evidence translation proposal

Background

Optimal occupational safety environments for cancer care nurses, is of critical importance. Over 200 systemic anti-cancer treatments (SACT) are classed as hazardous drugs (HD) and the toxicity of these drugs have been well documented in the literature for over eighty years. Importantly, these HD make occupational exposure a significant problem for cancer care nurses, as exposure to HD is linked to both acute and chronic health consequences. Crucially, there are no known safe occupational levels of SACT exposure. Therefore, all available and necessary measures should be taken to limit the potential occupational exposure risks, for cancer care nurses.

Methods

The evidence translation dissertation begins with the PICO intervention question and a comprehensive background on the topic. In Chapter 2, a full systematic search was completed utilising two databases (CINAHL and PubMed) to retrieve the best available research evidence. Chapter 3, explored the historical, methodological and theoretical intricacies behind implementation and complexity sciences. Chapter 4, provides a comprehensive outline of an evidence based implementation proposal, underpinned by an implementation science framework. Through a process of self-critical reflection of learnings achieved, Chapter 5 draws the dissertation to a close and recommends the next steps in progressing this proposal within the author’s hospital.

Results

Despite the exhaustive database search, the research reviewed did not involve nurses completing wipe sampling for hazardous drugs in an outpatient and inpatient oncology/haematology settings. Therefore, did not meet the author’s criteria for inclusion. The United States Pharmacopeia (2020) guideline is the best available evidence retrieved, to answer the evidence-based research question.

Conclusions

The next step in advancing this project, is to convene a steering committee and engage key stakeholders to develop a strategic implementation resource plan. The implementation plan will be used as a context-sensitive roadmap resource.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

A. O'Halloran.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

The author has declared no conflicts of interest.