Awareness among nurses and nursing aides about the risks to health from the use of cytotoxic drugs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify whether nurses and nursing aides are aware of the risks involved when handling cytotoxic material. The study also looked at whether these care workers know how to handle these substances safely. A questionnaire was distributed among nurses and nursing aides at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital and a number of wards at St. Luke's Hospital. The result of this study show that nurses and nursing aides have very limited knowledge about cytotoxic drugs. There is also evidence of lack of training about the handling of these drugs and cytotoxic material in general. It appears that nurses and nursing aides showed lack of knowledge in what precautions are to be taken and also regarding the handling of spillages and waste of cytotoxic drugs. Nurses and nursing aides do not believe that they are working in a safe environment and they believe also that their superiors do not care about their health and safety at their place of work. Recommendations are made for improvement of the present situation.