Background: Nurses are likely be exposed to an increased number of
antineoplastic drugs (ADs) at work because of the rising incidence of cancer among
pediatric patients and the introduction of more complicated treatment regimens. These
medications must be handled and used by pediatric nurses with great cautions due to
their toxicity. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of safety standards guidelines on nursesꞌ
performance regarding safe handling of chemotherapy, drugs for pediatric patients.
Design: A quasi-experimental design (pre, post and follow-up test) was used. Setting:
The study was performed at the Oncology Department at Specialized Pediatric Hospital
in Benha City. Sample: A convenience sample of 50 nurses who were working in the
selected setting. Instruments Three instruments were used: (a) Structured Interviewing
Questionnaire Sheet, (b) Observational checklist for nurses’ practice regarding safe
handling of antineoplastic drugs and (c) Nurses attitude regarding safe handling of
antineoplastic drugs. Results: Nurses who had competent performance related to safe
handling of antineoplastic drugs on pre, post and follow up were 14%, 99% and 91%
respectively. Conclusion: safety standards guidelines significantly improved nurses’
knowledge, practice, and attitudes regarding safe handling of antineoplastic drugs for
pediatric patient. Recommendation: Periodic in-service training programs are required
for oncology pediatric nurses to increase their knowledge and competency. |
