KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE FOR SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMOTHERAPY AMONG ONCOLOGY NURSES

S ALI; H SADDIQUE; R JABEEN

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v2024i1.1346

Authors

S ALI Department of Nursing, The superior university Lahore, Pakistan
H SADDIQUE Department of Nursing, The superior university Lahore, Pakistan
R JABEEN Department of Nursing, The superior university Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v2024i1.1346

Keywords:

Chemotherapy, Oncology Nurses, Safe Handling, Occupational Hazards, Pakistan, Personal Protective Equipment

Abstract

Safe handling of chemotherapy drugs is critical to protecting oncology nurses from occupational hazards. However, adherence to safety protocols remains a significant challenge in healthcare settings, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and practices of oncology nurses regarding the safe handling of chemotherapy drugs at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 137 oncology nurses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, knowledge, and practices related to the safe handling of chemotherapy drugs. Descriptive statistics were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: While 69.7% of participants correctly recognized breathing as a route of chemotherapy exposure, and 75.9% understood ingestion as a potential entry route, only 62.0% consistently used personal protective barriers, and 40.9% avoided eating or drinking in drug administration areas. Proper post-exposure protocols, such as washing skin and eyes immediately after exposure, were followed by 65.0% of participants. Conclusion: Oncology nurses exhibit good knowledge but inconsistent practices regarding the safe handling of chemotherapy drugs. Addressing these gaps requires targeted educational interventions, strict policy enforcement, and improved resource availability to ensure the safety of healthcare workers.

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