Perceived Barriers and Risks of Safe Handling of Chemotherapeutic Agents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Chemotherapy preparation and administration is a complex nursing procedure. Adequate competency and positive behaviors regarding safe handling of cytotoxic drugs is very important for every nurse to ensure patient safety as well as occupational safety. This study assessed the perceived barriers and risks regarding safe handling of chemotherapeutic drugs among nursing personnel of a tertiary care hospital of Delhi, India. A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted among 60 nursing personnel, who were working in chemotherapy wards and day care units. Self-administered structured questionnaire and rating scales were used for data collection. The sociodemographic and outcome variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics in addition to inferential statistics. The overall mean scores of practice, perceived barriers, and risks of nursing personnel toward safe handling of chemotherapy is 33.26 ± 3.18, 29.75 ± 4.66, and 11.75 ± 2.99, respectively. The most important barrier was inadequate training on chemotherapy and high workload. The highest risk perceived by the nursing personnel was an inadequate regular medical surveillance program, followed by immediate non-replacement of linens soiled with drug spills. It is recommended that chemotherapy safety protocol, safety surveillance systems, and in-service training be instituted for all nursing personnel who are working in an oncology unit.