Patients’ knowledge and awareness of safe handling of oral anticancer agents at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman

Moataz M. Hassan, Dhabya Al-Marzooq, Hanan Al-Habsi, Amna Al-Hashar, Murtadha Al-Khabori, Mansour Al-Moundhri, Ibrahim Al-Zakwani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Safe handling of oral anticancer agents is of great concern. There is a lack of clear, national guidelines on how patients can safely handle and dispose of unwanted medications. We aimed to evaluate the safe handling, storage, and disposal of oral anticancer drugs among cancer patients and caregivers at home. Method: This cross-sectional survey of adult cancer patients (or their adult caregivers) used a closed-ended questionnaire from May 2019 to March 2020. Results: A total of 257 patients (50 ± 15 years; range: 18–93 years) were enrolled; however, only 91% (233/257) reported self-administering oral anticancer medications. Caregivers were more likely to administer oral anticancer agents for patients ≥60 years than those
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Antineoplastic agents
  • caregivers
  • drug storage
  • medical waste disposal
  • self-administration

Cite this