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Structured Algorithm For Error Reduction In Chemotherapy Administration, Marianne Bundalian Tejada

Nursing Faculty Presentations

Purpose. To develop an evidence-based structured algorithm tool that might be used by nursing leaders at a cancer center to decrease chemotherapy medication errors.

Background. In spite of available technology and known factors resulting in medication errors, chemotherapy errors remain the major cause of iatrogenic patient morbidity in hospitals (Gilbar, 2001; Heidt et al., 2001 ). A major risk factor for chemotherapy errors is lack of standardization in administration (ordering, dispensing, administration, monitoring). Failure to identify necessary staff skills/aptitude required to prevent errors may also be problematic.

Significance. Use of the developed algorithm may lead to development of evidence-based strategies …