An investigation of risks associated with the handling of anti-cancer drugs by nursing staff in the departments of the oncology hospital of Fez- Morocco: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Scientific, technological and organizational advances have led to significant progress in the drug management of cancer patients. However, these anticancer drugs can have risks on healthcare professionals and assessing these risks in all departments of oncology is required for the use of anti-cancer drugs in healthcare settings. The aim of this study is to describe risk prevention measures related to the handling and management of anticancer drugs by nursing staff working at Hassan II University Hospital in Fez HUH-Fez, Morocco. A cross-sectional study. A tested and validated self-administered questionnaire of  30 items was conducted among 28 nurses of  HUH-Fez.  The response rate to the questionnaire was 96.42%. The study revealed that most nurses did not use sterile medical devices during drug preparation. The study also showed that more than half of the nursing staff (54%) dont rinse the lines at the end of each administration, and that the majority of nurses dont wear personal protective equipment. In terms of environmental protection and health, the study showed that more than half of the nursing staff (52%) were unaware of the risk of exposure to surfaces contaminated by anti-cancer drugs, 85% of participants did not use decontamination kits to clean their premises, and cytotoxic waste was not separated from other hospital waste. The handling of cytotoxic drugs is a high-risk process for the patient, the environment and the personnel handling them. This study showed that measures to prevent risks associated with the handling and management of these drugs by nursing staff in oncology departments are not strictly adhered to. In order to improve working conditions in these units, certain recommendations have been made.