Creation of a regional hazardous drug handling task force.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-23-2021
Identifier
DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxab181
Abstract
PURPOSE: A regional task force of health-system pharmacy leaders was created to assist with successful adoption of United States Pharmacopeia (USP) general chapter.
SUMMARY: A group of pharmacy leaders in the Kansas City region identified potential benefits to healthcare personnel and patients if hazardous drug handling procedures were standardized. A task force was created, a preimplementation survey was distributed, and meetings were held monthly to discuss sections of USPidentified as the most challenging to implement. The task force focused on an assessment of risk tool, hot topics, cleanroom design, and a detailed analysis of controversial medications. After the first year of meetings, a postimplementation survey was distributed, and the results were analyzed. The task force created significant value for the participants and achieved the goal of facilitating efficient USPimplementation resulting in greater compliance and consistency across the multiple health systems represented. Over 5,100 beds and 200 clinic sites were affected by this task force's efforts. Nearly three-fourths (73%) of respondents reported that the task force was "extremely helpful," and the majority (64%) of respondents adopted most or all (81%-100%) of the task force's assessment of risk choices. Prioritization of tasks, information sharing, and decision-making were areas where the individual leaders were most supported.
CONCLUSION: Creating a structure to eliminate barriers and facilitate collaboration among regional pharmacy leaders provided a framework for successful implementation of USPrequirements. This interdependent leadership model produced innovative and standardized solutions and should be considered when addressing complicated initiatives that impact the profession.
Journal Title
American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Volume
78
Issue
13
First Page
1233
Last Page
1237
Keywords
USP <800>; antineoplastic agents; assessment of risk; health personnel; leadership; occupational exposure
Recommended Citation
Duty A, Robinson J, Bahmandar D, Hanson N, Lucas AJ. Creation of a regional hazardous drug handling task force. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2021;78(13):1233-1237. doi:10.1093/ajhp/zxab181
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