Chemotherapy safe handling practices in Ethiopia: A comprehensive multi-center evaluation

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Healthcare Safety
• Public Health

Background:

• Increasing cancer incidence and chemotherapy use in Ethiopia.
• Identified gap in safe chemotherapy handling by healthcare workers.
• Need to assess chemotherapy handling practices in Ethiopia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate current chemotherapy handling practices in Ethiopia.
• To identify areas for improvement in the chemotherapy lifecycle.
• To assess the safety of chemotherapy administration for healthcare workers and patients.

Main Methods:

• Multi-method study design.
• Online survey of Ethiopian healthcare professionals nationwide.
• Evaluative site visits of eight cancer units in Addis Ababa.

Main Results:

• 55% of participants reported inadequate systems for hazard identification and management.
• 71% lacked an active health and safety committee or representative.
• Only 30% demonstrated proper hand hygiene; 20% used adequate Personal Protective Equipment.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for evidence-based interventions to enhance chemotherapy handling in Ethiopia.
• Findings highlight critical deficiencies in safety protocols.
• Recommendations for protecting patients and healthcare workers from chemotherapy's toxicities.