A chemotherapy standard order form: preventing errors
Opfer, K.B.; Wirtz, D.M.; Farley, K.
Oncology Nursing Forum 26(1): 123-128
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0190-535X PMID: 9921575 Document Number: 498195
To describe the development and implementation of one approach to standardize and document chemotherapy orders for patients in the acute-care setting. Multidisciplinary team, Oncology Nursing Society standards of care, clinical experience, and published literature. To avoid errors in ordering, dispensing, and administering chemotherapy that may have the potential for serious adverse patient outcomes, a standardized order sheet was developed to consistently document information regarding chemotherapy ordering and administration throughout the hospital. Each component of the form is essential in promoting safety and efficiency in the chemotherapy ordering and administration process. A standardized approach dramatically improved ordering, dispensing, and administering chemotherapy. Multidisciplinary verification and documentation of dose and schedule helps reduce chemotherapy-related errors. The chemotherapy order sheet saves time and is comprehensive and consistent. Use of the order sheet also has increased interdisciplinary collaboration and assisted all members of the team in documenting required information.