Background

Antineoplastic drugs constitute an important cornerstone in treating malignant cancer diseases. The nurses administering these drugs risk developing short- and long-term side effects from exposure if not properly protected by personal protective equipment. The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health produces guidelines and recommendations for healthcare personnel handling antineoplastic drugs in order to minimise exposure.

Aim

The aim of this study was to observe and describe registered nurses’ compliance to National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health guidelines and recommendations concerning the use of personal protective equipment during drug administration at a public hospital in Guangzhou, China.

Method

Data was collected at three different departments using structured direct observations, totalling 211 administrations encompassing day and evening shifts.

Results

Total compliance to National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health guidelines and recommendations was 0 percent as a result of non-existent gown use. The overall compliance for the use of double gloves was 76,3 percent. The Department of Medical Oncology had the highest department-specific compliance rate for double gloves at 80,7 percent, whereas the evening shift at Chemotherapy Outpatient Department boasted the highest shift-specific compliance rate for the same item at 83,3 percent.

Conclusion

Interventions are needed concerning the use of personal protective equipment, in particular the use of gowns. Obtained hospital-specific guidelines did not include the procedure of drug administration, warranting the implementation of hospital-specific standard operating procedure guidelines encompassing this aspect.