Mention Practice – Series I

Memo: Report on oral anti-cancer medications

Nurse Unit Managers are direct to review their systems for the administration of oral anticancer drugs, and the reporting of drug errors. Serious concerns have been raised in a recent report drawing on a national survey of pharmacists. Please note the following paragraph quoted from the report:

Incorrect doses of oral anti-cancer medicines can have (6/10) fatal consequences. Over the previous four years, there were three deaths and 400 patient safety issues involving oral anti-cancer medicines. Half of the reports concerned the wrong dosage, frequency, quantity or duration of oral anti-cancer treatment. Of further concern is that errors on the part of patients may be under-reported (4/10). In light of these reports, there is clearly a need for improved systems covering the management of patients receiving oral therapies.

Mention Practice 2.1

1. This is a report on anti-cancer medication
2. All nurses have the responsibility to review their systems for the administration of oral anticancer drugs;
3. The concerns raised in this report are serious.
4. Incorrect doses of oral anti-cancer medicines can always have fatal consequences.
5. Over the previous four years, there were four deaths due to incorrect doses.
6. The safety of 400 patients was at risk during the reported period
7. Half of the reports concerned the wrong dosage, wrong frequency, wrong quantity and wrong duration.
8. Errors on the part of patients are never reported.
9. The report recommends a need for improved systems.