Safeguarding Patients and Avoiding Medical Errors in Chemotherapy Infusion Suites

Community Oncology. 2008 May 1;5(5):250-252, LK Dohse, RN, BSN, CRNI

Safety should be the primary goal of ambulatory centers. To ensure safety, there must be established processes, good communication, and careful treatment delivery. Treatment-related mistakes resulting in undertreatment, toxicities, hospitalization, or even death can occur when process is ignored, communication is poor, or treatment delivery is rushed. In addition, to achieve the best possible outcome, patients should be provided with detailed education on what to expect in terms of toxicity and side-effect prevention and management. Practice outcomes should be reviewed and scrutinized for safety and efficacy. This information can help provide practice-based evidence of quality care.