Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background and Importance Extravasation of cytotoxic agents is a serious complication in cancer treatment that requires immediate and effective management. Nurses administering chemotherapy, especially vesicant agents, must stay updated on the latest evidence regarding the identification and treatment of extravasation. Educated nurses are essential for detecting, managing, and documenting extravasation events. Their role is crucial in preventing such incidents and ensuring patient safety through proactive interventions. Aim and Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness among nursing staff handling cytotoxic and biological anticancer agents, focusing on their knowledge and practices in managing extravasation. Material and Methods A prospective, single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted by hospital pharmacists during mandatory cytotoxic drug training sessions between November 2023 and September 2024. The survey targeted nursing staff involved in administering cytotoxic and biologic agents at a tertiary care hospital. An anonymous 10-item questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and experience in extravasation management, covering years of practice, knowledge of risk factors and high-risk agents, symptom recognition, previous experience with extravasation, and awareness of antidote availability. The data were statistically analysed. Results A total of 116 nurses participated in the survey. Despite 72.0% having over 10 years of healthcare practice, 57.8% had never encountered extravasation cases, indicating limited hands-on experience. Regarding venous access, 86.0% expressed confidence in selecting appropriate veins for cytotoxic drug administration. While the vast majority (93.1%) had partial knowledge of risk factors such as repeatedly cannulated veins, lymphedema or obesity, only 38.1% of experienced nurses could fully describe the signs of extravasation. Additionally, 10 nurses (8.6%) indicated they did not educate patients about the signs and symptoms of extravasation. Half of the participants correctly identified dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 99% as the antidote for anthracyclines, whereas only 7.8% selected hyaluronidase with warm compresses for vinca alkaloids. Although more than two-thirds of the nurses knew where antidotes were stored, 25.0% were unsure, revealing a need for better communication and training. Conclusion and Relevance Despite local standards being in place, the study revealed gaps in nurses’ awareness of extravasation management, especially concerning patient education and antidote use, highlighting the necessity for enhanced and regular training in diagnosis and treatment of extravasation to improve patient safety. References and/or Acknowledgements Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest
Institutions: Charles University, University Hospital Hradec Králové
Language: English
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4408377082