Oncology nurses' perspectives on safe handling precautions: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Oncology nurses can be exposed to hazardous drugs during their preparation, administration, transfer and storage and elimination of their waste. Aim: This study was directed towards describing attitudes, opinions and experiences of nurses administering these drugs about safe handling precautions. Methods: A qualitative study design was used. Fifteen nurses working for at least three months involved in preparation, administration and transfer of antineoplastic drugs and management of wastes. Findings: Experiences, viewpoints and attitudes of nurses about safe handling precautions were analyzed in accordance with basic components of Health Belief Model. Conclusions: Based on experiences, viewpoints and attitudes emphasized most by nurses, the most important factors about safe handling precautions were perceived barriers and cues to action. As well as heavy work schedules and high number of patients per nurse, lack of equipment and insufficient knowledge were found to be barriers to taking safe handling precautions.