• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.154-165
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• 2004

Purpose : To provide basic data for establishing the policy of safe handling of cytotoxic drugs and for building training materials and clinical guidelines for nurses handling cytotoxic drugs. Methods: 255 nurses in Seoul and 257 nurses in D metropolitan area participated in the study. Questionnaires were based on the safe handling guideline for cytotoxic drugs issued by OSHA and ONA. Results: Nurses in Seoul scored higher in the cognition for safe handling guidelines of cytotoxic drugs in preparation, administration. as well as total score compared with nurses in D metropolitan area. The practical score also showed higher in nurses in Seoul in administration, disposal and total score. But both groups showed low level of practical score. The answers why they could not follow the guideline for cytotoxic drugs were "don't have", "busy", and "don't know", etc Conclusion: Handling of the cytotoxic drug is very common and important. The study findings suggest that hospitals especially in D metropolitan area should educate the nurses and supply equipments for safe handling of cytotoxic drugs. Thus, repetitive and continual education of all nurses including experts is needed. In addition, it is necessary to supply enough protective equipment for preventing exposure to the cytotoxic drugs.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2006

Purpose: The present study explored the effects of education for safe handling of cytotoxic drugs on knowledge and practice in nurses. Method: Data were collected using a single group with pre and posttest design from 59 nurses at medical and surgical wards in C university hospital from April to June 2005. Questionnaires on the knowledge and practice of the guidelines for safe handling of cytotoxic drugs were asked to complete before and after the education. Result: The education improved nurses' knowledge and practice of the guidelines for safe handling of cytotoxic drugs. The knowledge and practice had a significant positive correlation. Conclusion: These findings show that the education for safe handling of cytotoxic drugs improved the knowledge and practice of nurses. As the knowledge of the guidelines for safe handling of cytotoxic drugs makes a positive association with the practice, it is thought to be required to enhance the education program for nurses.