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Oncology nurse safety study receives $2.3 million grant
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Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Nursing and Comprehensive Cancer Center have received a $2.3 million grant to study and reduce oncology nurses’ exposure to hazardous drugs.
The four-year study, funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, will examine more than 300 oncology nurses’ use of personal protective equipment as well as biological exposure to hazardous drugs at 11 cancer centers.
“There are significant acute and long-term side effects from hazardous drug exposures in oncology settings, but not enough evidence-based, risk-reduction efforts to protect health care workers,” Christopher Friese, PhD, RN, AOCN, FAAN, of the University of Michigan School of Nursing and Comprehensive Cancer Center, said in a press release. “It’s important to recognize the need for well-prepared oncology nurses to deliver care safely and avoid poor outcomes.”
In a preliminary study, Friese found that among 242 surveyed oncology nurses, 16.9% reported skin or eye exposure to hazardous drugs within the past year. Researchers said that the goal of the new study is to increase consistent use of protective equipment and reduce overall exposure.
Nurses participating in the upcoming study will provide information concerning chemotherapy spills in the clinic and provide blood samples to determine whether hazardous agents are detectable. They will also receive an educational module on safe drug handling, with and without feedback on how to improve their practice.
“Over 20 million doses of chemo are given annually in infusion centers. We believe the data gathered from this study can be used to inform practice and make policy changes that will improve the safety of a large number of health care workers,” Friese said in the release.