An Evidence-Based Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Remote Chemotherapy Verification

In response to the nursing shortage and the emergence of telehealth opportunities, the Oncology Nursing Society used an evidence-based approach to examine current literature and trends for the two-person independent double check of high-risk medications, such as chemotherapy, when one of those two individuals is working remotely. Analysis of available evidence suggests virtual technology for two-person independent double checks is feasible and may be equal to live two-person checks; however, lack of consistency and rigor in the interventions and outcome measures makes a determination on safety or efficacy challenging.

AT A GLANCE

• Innovative solutions for chemotherapy safety checks are needed across the cancer care continuum to respond to the evolving healthcare landscape without sacrificing safety.
• Integrating remote technology into chemotherapy safety checks was not associated with adverse event reports in the literature or practice interviews.
• To determine the safety and efficacy of remote independent verification for high-risk medications, nursing research is recommended.