ReCAP: Comparison of Independent Error Checks for Oral Versus Intravenous Chemotherapy [CARE DELIVERY]

This study had some limitations. Although there are many forms of safeguards (eg, preprinted orders), only one type of safeguard (ie, independent checks) was examined in the cancer system studied. We chose to focus on independent checks because they were observable and were defined in the cancer center’s policies. Another limitation was that just a single jurisdiction (Nova Scotia), and four community pharmacies were examined. We examined each community pharmacy in detail, and sites were chosen to be representative (eg, rural versus urban). Further, the model used to deliver oral chemotherapy in Nova Scotia is not unique; a number of other provinces share similar models. REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS: There is an enormous opportunity for pharmacists and other qualified professionals to take on an expanded role in improving patient safety for oral chemotherapy. Oral chemotherapy, like IV chemotherapy, is known to be potentially hazardous, but in the cancer system studied, there were dramatically fewer independent checks associated with all aspects of oral chemotherapy–related processes. Greater involvement of pharmacists, both in the clinic environment and the community, would facilitate increased systematic checking, which could improve patient safety related to oral chemotherapy. FIG 2.Systematic checks conducted by qualified health care practitioners across planning, ordering, dispensing, and administration of oral and intravenous (IV) chemotherapies. RNCC, chemother...
Source: Journal of Oncology Practice - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Patient safety, Management and treatment, Treatment related issues, Patient safety, Caregiver, Patient, Training, Patient safety CARE DELIVERY Source Type: research