Patient Education to Prevent Exposure to Anticancer Drugs among Patients and Caregivers during Outpatient Chemotherapy in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

In Japan, education on preventing exposure to anticancer drugs should be conducted for outpatients receiving chemotherapy, based on the “Guideline for Preventing Occupational Exposure in Cancer Chemotherapy Drugs, 2019 Edition (guidelines 2019).” However, the educational content at each facility remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the educational system and content in 461 cancer hospitals nationwide. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a web questionnaire consisting of 27 questions covering four categories (background, patient educational system, content of patient education handouts, and issues in exposure prevention education). In total, 310 (67.2%) facilities responded, and 306 facilities were surveyed. Among the facilities surveyed, 96.7% (296/306 facilities) provided protection against exposure to injectable anticancer drugs, whereas only 33.4% (99/296 facilities) provided protection against exposure to oral anticancer drugs. Moreover, we analyzed the references and contents of the handouts used at the facilities. A total of 85% (209/244 facilities) of the facilities were creating handouts based on the 2019 guidelines. Approximately 85% of the facilities included “preventing exposure for body fluids and excretions” and “recommended preventing exposure period” in their handouts, but <60% included “handling of injectable agents” and “handling of oral anticancer agents.” Furthermore, in the free description section on issues in education, 27 responses mentioned “insufficient of evidence,” which was thought to be related to differences in educational content between facilities. In conclusion, it is necessary to establish a system for improving education to prevent exposure to oral anticancer drugs and standardize educational content through the creation of evidence.