Walton, Bush Write Article for Oncology Nursing Publication

AnnMarie Walton, assistant professor, and Margaret Bush, associate professor, contributed to the "Surface Contamination With Antineoplastic Drugs on Two Inpatient Oncology Units" article in the current issue of the Oncology Nursing Society's Oncology Nursing Forum publication. There were six total authors, including Deborah Allen of the Duke University Health System and Ivan Spasojevic of the Duke Cancer Institute. 

Abstract

• Objectives: To measure surface contamination with antineoplastic drugs on inpatient oncology units and to characterize nursing staff personal protective equipment (PPE) use and factors that predict this use.

• Sample and Setting: A descriptive pilot study of two inpatient oncology units at Duke University Hospital, administering etoposide and cyclophosphamide.

• Results: Contamination with cyclophosphamide and etoposide was detectable and quantifiable in 61% and 31% of surfaces tested, respectively. Nursing staff reported suboptimal use of PPE when administering, disposing, and handling excreta of patients. Workplace safety climate was predictive of PPE use.

• Implications for Nursing: The potential for contamination with antineoplastic drugs in inpatient oncology units presents exposure risks for healthcare workers, patients, family members, and visitors. Future research and interventions to limit exposure and increase routine surface sampling should focus on those areas of greatest contamination, including toilet seats, a prominent finding from the current study.