Understand the risks of handling cytotoxic drugs (cancer medications) and learn how to protect yourself as a healthcare worker.
Intro
* Cytotoxic drugs target rapidly dividing cells, but also affect healthy cells.
* Not just strong chemo – includes hormone therapies, antivirals, and more.
* Exposure routes: inhalation, skin contact, injection, patient fluids.
* Health effects: nausea, hair loss, infertility, organ damage, secondary cancers.
Segment 2: Risk Assessment
* HSE guidelines are your roadmap (See HSE Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs 2022 Policy: https://healthservice.hse.ie/filelibrary/staff/hse-guideline-on-the-safe-handling-and-use-of-cytotox-drugs.pdf)
* List ALL hazardous drugs you use.
* Identify at-risk groups: pharmacy, nurses, cleaning staff, others.
* Break down the drug's journey to pinpoint exposure risks.
Segment 3: Control Measures
* Hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineer, procedures, PPE (last resort).
* Engineering controls: ventilation, negative pressure rooms, closed-system transfer devices.
* PPE: specialized gloves, gowns, eye protection, maybe respirators.
Segment 4: Staff Training
* Training is essential, not optional.
* Includes knowledge, specific skills, and evolving procedures.
* Mix up formats: demos, scenarios, spill simulations.
* Competency checks: observation, assessments.
Segment 5: Where to Learn More
References
* HSE Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs 2022 Policy (https://healthservice.hse.ie/filelibrary/staff/hse-guideline-on-the-safe-handling-and-use-of-cytotox-drugs.pdf)
Feedback form: https://forms.gle/Rgw59ofWL1b8SuNm8
IIOP CPD Example: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WUYnhHblEtNeCVWgKutGynC44qwlxwLuRBzltiEW_wY/edit?usp=sharing
