Edinburgh Napier University

  Background: Cytotoxic drugs (CDs) potentially pose significant risks to cancer nurses. This study aimed to determine UK cancer nurses' perceptions and experiences regarding potential exposure to CDs, knowledge of hazard, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including closed systems transfer devices( CSTDs) and perceived health issues.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted across the UK, facilitated through the UK Oncology Nursing Society. Descriptive analyses were employed.

Results: The survey revealed that PPE predominantly plastic aprons (97% n=723) and either glove, vinyl (53% n=393), and gloves labelled for chemotherapy (62% n=466). Additionally, knowledge of safe handling precautions across the UK, ranged from 86% to 96%. Closed systems were implemented in some always to sometimes (70%), and never used (30%). Perceived health issues were reported by 161 participants, both female (93%) and male (6%).

Conclusions: This study shows, an overall high level of knowledge of the hazards of CDs and plastic aprons and gloves are the primary protection against occupational exposure. There is a variation in use of CSTDs. Cancer nurses perceive their health is compromised as staff self-report health issues attributed to the administration of CDs. Recommendation should be that all cancer treatment settings should implement CSTDs across the UK.