An Approach to Hazardous Medication Surveillance.

: Many health care organizations are making changes to their hazardous medication surveillance program (HMSP) in response to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) <800> standards. Absence of best practices for HMSPs and limitations on the ability of such programs to correlate health effects identified on surveillance with workplace exposures historically have left health care institutions to determine if and how to design an HMSP for their workforce. Within this article one approach to the design of an HMSP is discussed and resources such as a health questionnaire and declination form are included that could be modified or adopted by other health care organizations. This information is intended to generate further discussion and collaboration among leaders of employee occupational health services on a national level to address the benefits and challenges of HMSPs.

Understanding Distress in the Hospital: A Qualitative Study Examining Adults With Cancer

PURPOSE: To measure the distress of hospitalized adults with cancer and identify strategies and behaviors to manage distress.
. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 185 adults with cancer hospitalized in a large tertiary hospital in the Midwest.
. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: This study involved a one-time assessment using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's (NCCN's) Distress Thermometer and two open-ended questions. Demographic data were reviewed, and responses to open-ended questions were analyzed by content analysis. A team approach was used to develop and validate themes. 
. FINDINGS: Strategies used by patients to manage distress were categorized as taking charge and embracing help. Helpful strategies were related to quality of life and relationship with care teams. 
. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Understanding of distress in hospitalized adults with cancer is limited, which warrants the attention of healthcare professionals. Study results have implications to enhance patient care and to address nationally established psychosocial care objectives and NCCN distress screening standards.