Documentation forms for monitoring occupational surveillance of healthcare workers who handle cytotoxic drugs.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To develop a procedure for medical surveillance of healthcare workers who handle cytotoxic drugs.

DATA SOURCES

Literature review and guidelines published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. INFORMATION SELECTION: Studies of possible exposure screening tests, congenital defects in offspring, and case studies.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Some degree of risk exists in handling cytotoxic drugs, but no reliable screening test for cytotoxic drug exposure has been developed. Reproductive hazards are possible when protective equipment is not used. Areas to be addressed when devising surveillance procedures include who to cover, what baseline data to gather, what periodic monitoring will be necessary (and at what interval it will be conducted), how to handle exposure incidents, and what documentation system will be used.

CONCLUSIONS

A procedure using a baseline risk factor form and a yearly monitoring questionnaire was devised and implemented. Forms contain documentation of worker teaching.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Most often, nurses are the healthcare workers who handle cytotoxic drugs. A consistent approach to monitoring healthcare workers is facilitated by using a defined procedure and standardized forms.