Implementing a closed system drug transfer device to enable nurses to prepare monoclonal antibody treatment.

Abstract

Background: Efforts to increase capacity for oncology treatment in the author's Chemotherapy Day Unit, while allowing staff to treat more patients and offer more flexibility to patients, increased strain on the Aseptic Pharmacy at the author's Trust. Therefore, the possibility of nurse-led drug preparation was explored.

Aims: Nurse-led monoclonal antibody (MAb) preparation was piloted to investigate whether a reduction in reliance on Aseptic Pharmacy could co-exist with maintaining optimal treatment capacity. The effectiveness of a closed system transfer device (CSTD) to protect nurses against drug exposure was also explored.

Methods: A risk assessment for MAbs considered for nurse-led preparation was created, alongside a procedure for the safe handling of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) with the use of a CSTD.

Findings: The pilot resulted in an 89% reduction in the time patients had to wait for MAbs to be prepared. Seven oncology drugs were included in the new procedure without increasing the risk of exposure for nurses.

Conclusion: The pilot successfully reduced demand on Aseptic Pharmacy while enabling efficient capacity use on the Chemotherapy Day Unit. The use of the CSTD minimised the risk of nurse exposure to SACT.