CN50 - Predictors of safe handling precautions amongst cancer nurses in the UK: A cross sectional survey

Background

Cytotoxic drugs (CD) pose significant risks to cancer nurses. Precautions against CD exposure include the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The utilisation of PPE during patient care processes and the usage levels remains underexplored in the UK. This study aimed to assess PPE usage levels and identify predictive factors among the cancer nurses in the UK.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted across the UK, facilitated through the UK Oncology Nursing Society. The survey covered demographic characteristics, self-reported use of PPE and seven theoretical predictive factors. Descriptive analysis, bivariate correlations and mixed effects modelling were employed to analyse associations between demographic factors, predictive factors, and safe handling scores.

Results

Analysis of (n=675) participants revealed higher knowledge of exposure, higher self-efficacy, low perceived barriers, moderate perceived risks, high interpersonal influence, low conflict of interest and moderate safety climate in the workplace. The analysis of the data also indicated weak positive correlations between age and knowledge (r_s=0.093), self-efficacy (r_s =0.103) and safe-handling scores(r_s=0.082); negative correlations were observed with perceived barriers (r_s = -0.141), conflict of interest (r_s = -0.116) and workplace safety climate scores (r_s = -0.156). Notably safe handling scores showed no significant correlation with other theoretical predictors. Comparison between government and private sector nurses (n=76) demonstrated higher patient volumes F (15.807, 74), p < 0.001 and significantly lower safe handling scores in the government settings. F (4.135, 74) p <0.05.

Conclusions

The cancer nurses were aware of the risks associated with their exposure to CDs. Various factors influence PPE usage among cancer nurses suggesting potential interventions to enhance cytotoxic drug protection. The workload in the government settings is significantly higher, it may lead to staff burnout and consequently affect the safety of the Cancer Nurses. Improved PPE adherence can be achieved through targeted interventions addressing identified factors.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

K. Campbell.

Funding

UK Oncology Nursing Society.

Disclosure

The author has declared no conflicts of interest.