Ten Simple Strategies to Prevent Chemotherapy Errors

Lisa Schulmeister

CJON 2005, 9(2), 201-205. DOI: 10.1188/05.CJON.201-205

Safety experts currently recommend using technology to prevent medication errors. Computerized prescriber order entry, automated medication-dispensing machines, and bar coding are a few of the technologies being advocated to promote safety. Simple easily implemented safety strategies to prevent chemotherapy errors should not be overlooked and include consistent use of a reliable method to verify patient identity, metric measurement, and workplace illumination and organization. Other strategies are elimination of abbreviations and acronyms, provision of up-to-date information at the point of care, and partnering with patients for safety. These strategies can be customized for use in a variety of practice settings. Oncology nurses are at the forefront of chemotherapy error-prevention initiatives and play a key role in implementing safety measures.

Members Only
Not a current ONS member or journal subscriber?

Purchase This Article

Receive a PDF to download and print.