Title
Preventing Errors With Antineoplastic Agents: A Pharmacist's Approach.
UMMS Affiliation
Commonwealth Medicine, Clinical Pharmacy Services
Date
2-1997
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Antineoplastic Agents; Medication Errors; Pharmaceutical Services; Pharmacists
Disciplines
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Abstract
The authors review practices for the prevention of medication errors with antineoplastic agents. This review begins with the establishment of standards for writing chemotherapy orders and for monitoring patients during and between treatment cycles. Procedures for the receipt and processing of orders in the pharmacy and for maintaining references used in verification of chemotherapy treatment regimens are described. Guidelines for the compounding and checking of antineoplastic medicines, as well as methods for the documentation of treatments, are explained. Communication between pharmacists and nurses, along with procedures for the documentation of and delivery of antineoplastic medications to the nursing staff, is discussed. Education of patients and their family members, as well as the medical and nursing staff, regarding treatment plans is also explained. This article illustrates how the pharmacist is in an ideal position to coordinate the efforts of fellow pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and patients in the prevention of antineoplastic medication errors.
Rights and Permissions
Hospital Pharmacy. 32(2):194-202,209, February 1997.