Beyond The Mask: Lived Experiences and Psychosocial Impacts of Chemotherapy Drug DispensingPersonnel in High-Risk Clinical Settings

Healthcare professionals involved in dispensing intravenous chemotherapy drugs face ‎significant risks from cytotoxic exposure, which can lead to both physical harm and ‎psychological distress. Despite existing safety protocols, limited research has explored the ‎personal and emotional challenges encountered by personnel in high-risk clinical environments. ‎This study investigated the lived experiences of chemotherapy drug dispensing personnel ‎within the context of occupational exposure. Using a qualitative descriptive phenomenological ‎approach, ten participants from a tertiary hospital in Shandong Province, China, were ‎purposively selected. In-depth interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using ‎Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Five major themes emerged: (1) challenges related to ‎occupational exposure safety, including operational risks, environmental constraints, and ‎equipment deficiencies; (2) difficulties in implementing protective measures; (3) mental health ‎struggles; (4) career development obstacles; and (5) coping and adjustment strategies. The ‎findings highlight that occupational exposure affects not only physical well-being but also ‎emotional resilience and professional trajectories. Participants emphasized the need for ‎improved protective infrastructure, mental health support, and institutional recognition of the ‎psychological burden of their work. The study concludes that occupational safety programs ‎must address the comprehensive needs of chemotherapy drug dispensing personnel‎.