Closed safety system for administration (CSSA): proposal for a new cytotoxic chemotherapy acronym

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Occupational Health
• Pharmaceutical Science

Background:

• Cytotoxic chemotherapy administration poses significant occupational health risks to healthcare professionals, including acute and chronic health issues.
• Surface contamination with chemotherapy drugs is a common issue in healthcare settings, leading to potential dermal absorption.
• Existing needleless connectors do not offer adequate protection against chemotherapy exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the risks associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy exposure for healthcare workers.
• To introduce and advocate for the adoption of the term 'closed safety system for administration' (CSSA).
• To promote enhanced safety measures for nurses administering chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on chemotherapy exposure risks and safety devices.
• Discussion of the functionality and types of closed system drug-transfer devices (CSTDs).
• Proposal of a standardized terminology (CSSA) for Luer-based CSTDs.

Main Results:

• Cytotoxic chemotherapy exposure can lead to serious health effects, including infertility and genetic damage.
• Surface contamination and dermal contact are primary routes of exposure.
• Luer-based CSTDs, termed CSSAs, offer a solution for safer drug administration.

Conclusions:

• Standardized terminology and education are crucial for promoting the correct use of safety devices.
• Implementing closed safety systems for administration (CSSAs) can significantly reduce healthcare worker exposure to cytotoxic chemotherapy.
• Increased adoption of CSSAs is recommended to enhance nursing safety in oncology.