PREPARATORY SAFETY CHECKS

 Before a doctor/nurse administers chemotherapy the following must be checked on the prescription sheet:

Patients name, date of birth and hospital number are correct.
The correct protocol has been prescribed for that particular patient.
The prescription is based on the patient’s current height, weight and calculated surface area.
The drug(s) are prescribed using the approved name and dosage measurements.
Date to be administered.
Any patient allergies or adverse side effects have been noted.
Route of administration if stated.
Diluent/dilution, method and rate of administration is stated.
Appropriate antiemetic therapy has been prescribed.
Any oral medications that are part of the protocol have been prescribed.

If there are any inconsistencies in the protocol then the chemotherapy should not be administered.

Prior to administration of the chemotherapy, the following must be checked by the person administering the chemotherapy and another doctor, pharmacist or experienced nurse:

The patient must be positively identified.
The drug and dosage are correct.
The drug has been supplied in the form required by the protocol.
The expiry date of the drug or solution.
The drug has been correctly stored.