The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has issued advice aimed at minimising risk associated with anti-cancer medicines. A themed review of patient safety incidents involving anti-cancer medicines recommends that all clinical protocols, prescriptions and all other documents are written in a clear manner to minimise error.
Clear procedures must be in place to identify staff who are authorised to prescribe and perform other duties with anti-cancer medicines. There should be safeguards for prescribing, dispensing and administering supportive treatments (such as Mesna or hydration fluids) alongside the anti-cancer medicines. Alterations to standard anti-cancer protocols must also be clearly described if modified in response to individual patient circumstances.
