Lakeridge Health Team Members Co-Author New Guidelines for Safe Handling of Cancer Medications

New guidelines co-authored by two Lakeridge Health team members provide best practices for cancer centres throughout the Central East Region and beyond when handling hazardous medications.

Darrilyn Lessels, Patient Care Manager in the Durham Regional Cancer Centre (DRCC) and Nursing Lead for the Central East Regional Cancer Program (CE RCP), and Dr. Leta Forbes, Medical Oncologist and Provincial Head for the Systemic Treatment Program at Ontario Health-Cancer Care Ontario, were among the authors of the new guidelines that were published last November in the Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice titled, “Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs.”

The guidelines include nine recommendations for the safe handling of hazardous drugs, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and home care of patients who receive hazardous drugs.

Written in partnership with co-authors from the Systemic Treatment Program at Ontario Health-Cancer Care Ontario (OH-CCO), the new guidelines were developed and adapted from existing guidelines, as well as three systemic reviews, to address new issues in the handling of hazardous drugs.

In addition to being shared with other partner hospital organizations in the Central East Region, the new guidelines are posted on OH-CCO’s website.

“These recommendations are not only best practices but will help cancer centres across Ontario standardize the way they handle hazardous medications,” says Dr. Forbes.

Darrilyn notes that “the guidelines add to the many ways the DRCC team delivers high quality care to patients and a safe environment for everyone.”

“This is an outstanding accomplishment and we are very proud of the passion and expertise Darrilyn and Dr. Forbes bring to our program and the delivery of evidence-based compassionate cancer care,” says Patti Marchand, Director of the DRCC.