VicTAG chemotherapy audit toolkit: Improving chemotherapy quality and safety.
J Oncol Pharm Pract
; 29(2): 416-421, 2023 Mar.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2195108
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Off-protocol prescribing of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) can lead to concerns about effectiveness of patient care. To identify variations in practice, a toolkit was developed for health services to address patient safety and the risk of sub-optimal outcomes for patients. DATA SOURCES Following significant incidents with SACT in South Australia and New South Wales, the Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria (the department) conducted an assessment of Victorian public health services to understand current practice regarding SACT protocol governance. A literature review examining SACT auditing was also undertaken to guide improvements. A department supported Chemotherapy Audit Toolkit (CAT) was created for implementation at public hospitals in Victoria. A post-implementation survey was done on uptake and issue identification. DATASUMMARY:
An initial assessment showed that 27% of Victorian public health services were undertaking retrospective review of SACT dosing, which was targeted for improvement. The literature review identified little guidance, however an audit of current sector practices found several audit methodologies. A process that involved audits by health services assessing their own practice was adopted. The toolkit was developed and piloted with health services. A post-implementation survey showed that 20% of services were using the toolkit, 35% were implementing the toolkit and 45% did not use the toolkit.CONCLUSIONS:
The VicTAG CAT has been adopted by more than half of Victorian public health services and is being used to influence prescribing. Implementation of the toolkit has been affected by resource reallocation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CAT is available online.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
/
Neoplasms
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Reviews
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Oncol Pharm Pract
Journal subject:
Pharmacy
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
10781552221148118
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