National research project to propose standards for intravenous chemotherapy
Study to facilitate constant and secure approach across Canada
Monday June 2, 2008 -- Jason Thompson
Dr. Tony Easty says a new research project he’s a part of aims to develop and recommend standards for the administration of intravenous chemotherapy in Canada.

“What we’re hoping to do is create a safer environment for delivering intravenous chemotherapy across the country,” says Easty, a senior director with the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto.

“If we’re able to have some success in that regard, the outcomes should be a safer environment and fewer incidents.”

Along with Dr. Anthony Fields with the Alberta Cancer Board, Easty is co-leading the project which has received funding as part of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute’s (CPSI) 2007 Research Competition.

According to the project summary, adverse events such as the 2006 death of an Edmonton woman as a result of an ambulatory infusion pump programming error has shined a spotlight on the risk associated with intravenous chemotherapy.

Easty says research into current practices as well as scientifically valid and nationally applicable recommendations are required in order to establish standards around the ordering, labeling, administration and checking of intravenous chemotherapy in Canada.

“The ultimate test of success for the study would be the extent to which agencies across Canada who provide chemotherapy care adopt the recommendations that come out of the study and agree to standardize their approaches based on what we find,” Easty says.

“Beyond that, a measure of success would be the extent to which chemotherapy related incidents decrease as a result.”

As part of the project, the pan-Canadian research team assembled by Easty will engage in surveys and field studies with cancer centres, technology reviews and testing the redesigned systems of ordering, labeling, administering and checking intravenous chemotherapy.

If your organization is conducting patient safety research you would like to share with fellow HIROC subscribers, phone (800) 294-0051, ext. 25 or e-mail jason(at)axiomnews.ca.

— More to come

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