UKONS publishes position statement on safe, effective use of oral anticancer medicines

Safe practice and nursing care of patients receiving oral anticancer medicines: a position statement from UKONS

A position statement from the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) on the safe, effective use of oral anticancer medicines was published online on 5 February 2010 by ecancermedicalscience.

The authors have formulated the statement in response to the following:

•           The huge increase over the past decade in the number of oral anticancer agents licensed for the treatment of solid tumours and haematological malignancies

•           A rapid response alert from the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) in 2008, which highlighted the potential for fatal outcomes if the wrong doses of oral anticancer medicines are used

•           Audit findings by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD), published in 2008,  showing that only 35% of patients who died within 30 days of receiving systemic anticancer medicines (oral or intravenous) were judged to have received a good standard of care

•           Survey findings suggesting that procedures for the administration of oral anticancer medicines are less rigorous than for intravenous anticancer medicines

•           A report in 2009 from the National Chemotherapy Advisory Group (NCAG), stating that the governance frameworks and care processes that apply to intravenous chemotherapy should also apply to oral chemotherapy

Key aspects of oral anticancer treatment considered in the UKONS statement include:

•           Use of standards, protocols and guidelines

•           Nurse training needs

•           Prescribing, including nurse prescribing

•           Patient education and information provision

•           Patient consent

•           Monitoring and follow up

Catherine Oakley, lead author of the position statement and a UKONS Board member, said: "Many patients who receive oral anticancer therapy manage their own treatment in their own homes. It is essential therefore that they are well informed about their oral medicines, and how to use them, and are fully supported by appropriately trained nurses. We believe this position statement will provide guidance for nurses on safe practice with these treatments, and help to ensure safe, effective patient care."