Publication:

Evaluation of knowledge and practice of handling chemotherapy agents by nurses: a multi-centre studies in Bangladesh

Background Along with several significant factors in chemotherapy treatment management’s nurses plays the pivotal role. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of nurses in relation to handling chemotherapy and the current practice of cancer centers in different hospitals in Bangladesh.

Methods The cross-sectional study was designed based on anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed from literature and expert input and validated by subject experts.

Results A total of 96 nurses were the respondents in this study. Around half of them already exposed directly with chemotherapy agents. Some 72.9% of nurses had not any training and 58.3% of respondents were not aware about use of closed system transfer devise in chemotherapy. A greater proportion 58.3% of nurses did not know the same health hazard of both oral and parenteral drugs. One third (33.3%) respondents used biological safety cabinet for doing preparation. Nurses’ did not use especial personal protective equipment and the designed treatment room also was absent. None of nurses went through regular medical checkup.

Conclusions The evidence-based results suggested that nurses have average knowledge about chemotherapy handling, however, use of personal protective equipment and biological safety cabinet, follow guidelines, medical surveillance and training are appeared to be a hindrance. More fundamentally, nurses need more education and professional training about chemotherapy agents handling in nursing school and through in-service continuing education as well as adopt required facilities are necessary.