This study was conducted to develop a tool for evaluating the work environment for the preparation of antineoplasticdrugs and identify issues in safety assessment.We prepared a checklist for the safe handling of antineoplastic drugs,whichincluded the following items : A) safety equipment and its maintenance,B) training and training documentation,C) devicesfor ensuring safety,D) personal protective equipment and E) emergency care.Further,we examined relationships betweenattainment levels for checklist items and occupational contamination levels for cyclophosphamide (CPA),fluorouracil (5FU),gemcitabine (GEM) and platinum-containing drugs (Pt) based on wipe samples from equipment in the preparationroom (wipe test).Next,pharmacists in a particular hospital were asked to improve their work environment using the checklist.To evaluate their improvements,we collected wipe samples and one-day urine samples from them,before and afterthey took improvement measures.The results showed that an increase in safety attainment scores was reflected in a decrease in CPA,GEM and Pt contaminationlevels in the wipe test,as well as one in urinary levels of CPA.However,the 5FU level in the wipe test increased,probably due to a 6-fold increase in the amount of 5FU prepared,compared to before the improvement measures weretaken.From these findings,we concluded that the checklist would be useful for improving the hospital work environment.
