Intravenous cancer chemotherapy administration errors: An observational study at referral hospital in Jordan

This study aimed to describe types, frequencies and stages of errors which occurred during administration of commonly used intravenous (IV) cancer chemotherapy medications inclusive of “aseptic technique.” A disguised direct observational cross-sectional prospective study was performed. A checklist consisting of appropriate process of administration of injectable chemotherapy agents along with the “aseptic technique” was developed and used. The study was conducted at the haematology and oncology wards at King Hussein Medical Centre/Jordanian Royal Medical Services (KHMC/JRMS). In all, 10 nurses who administrated IV chemotherapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings were observed. Overall, administration processes of 654 cases, consisting of 15,042 error opportunities, were observed of which 4112 (27.3%) errors were detected. A total of 19.9% (2217/11,118) and 48.3% (1895/3924) of the errors were in the administration process and “aseptic techniques,” respectively. Nurses who had finished a cancer chemotherapy medication preparation and administration training course committed significantly (p > 0.05) more medication administration errors compared to those who had not completed such course. This study highlighted a significant incidence of medication errors during administration of injectable chemotherapy agents. Educational programmes are required for safe administration of IV chemotherapy agents in some settings in Jordan.