Original artcle
Awareness Survey on Handling and Exposure of Anti-Cancer Drugs among the Hospital Pharmacists
2019 Volume 20 Issue 4 Pages 213-219
Details
2019 Volume 20 Issue 4 Pages 213-219
Objective: Anticancer drugs have carcinogenic potential and are associated with occupational exposure risks among healthcare
professionals who handle them. To minimize occupational exposure, healthcare workers must be adequately aware of the risks of
anticancer drugs and the appropriate techniques for their preparation. However, there is little information on the awareness of
pharmacists who prepare anticancer drugs in medical settings. The aim of this study was to investigate awareness of hazardous drugs
(HD) and appropriate preparation techniques among pharmacists, and identify problems that pharmacists experience in managing their
exposure to anticancer drugs.
Design: Questionnaire.
Method: The questionnaire was sent by e-mail or mail to pharmacists employed at 270 institutions who belonged to the Chiba Society
of Hospital Pharmacists. From September 2015 to March 2016, respondents completed the questionnaires voluntarily and returned
them by mail. Returning the questionnaire was regarded as informed consent to participate in this survey. Based on the completed
questionnaires, we examined the awareness of pharmacists in their daily work.
Results: In total, 218 questionnaires were returned (collection rate: 10%). Awareness of the risks of anticancer drugs was high, and a
high percentage of respondents use personal protective equipment during drug preparation, but the use of closed system drug transfer
devices was low. Overall, however, it was found that many pharmacists had insufficient understanding of safe handling techniques.
Discussion: Despite some recognition of the risks associated with exposure to HD, the measures taken to prevent exposure to
HDs―including anticancer drugs―were inadequate and this issue must be urgently addressed by medical institutions and pharmacists.
Countermeasures such as training sessions in the handling of HDs and the development of manuals are needed for each facility.
