Revised chemotherapy guidance must be implemented by end of November
Updated guidance on the administration of intrathecal chemotherapy has been issued by the Department of Health.
The revised guidance, which replaces
guidance issued two years ago (PJ,
17 November 2001, p707), sets out key requirements for National Health
Service trusts providing an intrathecal chemotherapy service. It also
covers action to be taken by trusts that do not normally provide such
a service. The updated recommendations must be implemented throughout
the NHS by 30 November.
Most of the guidance is unchanged. However, additions include the need
to identify a single “designated lead” to oversee compliance
with the guidance. This could be a doctor, pharmacist or nurse. The guidance
also makes clear what trusts with either a low-volume or high-volume
caseload should do to ensure the safety of the service.
One requirement laid down in the guidance is for a register of designated
personnel who have been trained and certified competent for a particular
task associated with the intrathecal chemotherapy service. Staff moving
from one hospital to another should take a record of their training certification.
However, automatic inclusion on the new hospital’s register should
not occur.
In terms of dispensing, the guidance states that it is acceptable to
dispense batches of intrathecal chemotherapy drugs for high volume paediatric
services as long as each dose within the batch is signed for separately.
At the point of administration, each dose must be removed from the lockable
container or refrigerator individually, never as a batch, it adds.
Tim Root, London specialist pharmacist, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital,
who was involved in developing the guidance, told The Journal that it
also announces publication of an associated training resource pack. Also
included is a suggested checklist for use by trusts and strategic health
authorities for monitoring compliance, he added.
The full updated guidance is available from the Department of Health,
PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH. It can also be downloaded. |
