2013 Updated American Society of Clinical Oncology/Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards Including Standards for the Safe Administration and Management of Oral Chemotherapy

TLDR

ASCO and ONS established safety standards for parenteral chemotherapy in 2009, later expanding them to inpatient settings in 2011. This article presents the newly developed standards. A multistakeholder workgroup convened in December 2011, drafted standards for oral chemotherapy, incorporated public feedback, and secured approval from ASCO and ONS boards. Key recommendations emphasize verifying prescription fulfillment, educating patients and families on dosing schedules, exception procedures, disposal of unused medication, and ensuring continuity of care across settings.

Abstract

In 2009, ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) published standards for the safe use of parenteral chemotherapy in the outpatient setting, including issues of practitioner orders, preparation, and administration of medication. In 2011, these were updated to include inpatient facilities. In December 2011, a multistakeholder workgroup met to address the issues associated with orally administered antineoplastics, under the leadership of ASCO and ONS. The workgroup participants developed recommended standards, which were presented for public comment. Public comments informed final edits, and the final standards were reviewed and approved by the ASCO and ONS Boards of Directors. Significant newly identified recommendations include those associated with drug prescription and the necessity of ascertaining that prescriptions are filled. In addition, the importance of patient and family education regarding administration schedules, exception procedures, disposal of unused oral medication, and aspects of continuity of care across settings were identified. This article presents the newly developed standards.