In 2008-2009, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) implemented a consensus-based process to develop standards for safe administration of chemotherapy to adult patients in the outpatient setting.
After having reviewed existing literature, a group of 40 multidisciplinary oncology professionals, representing diverse practice settings, including oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, practice administrators and patient advocates was convened. The goal of this workshop was to establish a set of standards focused on patient safety. The result was a draft of 34 safety standards which were made available for public comment.
In January 2011, another workshop was convened to review feedback received and further refine the standards as needed. An overwhelming number of responses suggested that the standards should encompass the inpatient setting as well.
After reviewing each standard in the context of an inpatient environment, the group determined that the same standards for chemotherapy administration safety should apply in all settings.
Original Safety standards
The ASCO/ONS chemotherapy safety standards development process was initiated with a review of the literature and convening of a workshop of 40 multidisciplinary oncology professionals, representing diverse practice settings, including oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, practice administrators and patient advocates. [See the complete list of workshop participants.]
Workshop participants used a structured consensus building and voting process that culminated in a draft of 34 safety standards. The draft standards were then posted for six weeks of public comment. All 322 submitted comments were logged and used to select and refine the final standards set.
Read the JCO article fully describing the ASCO/ONS chemotherapy safety standards process for development, consensus and refinement, and a discussion of the standards and results
2011 Standard Revisions Public Comment
In January 2011, a workgroup consisting of ASCO and ONS members was convened to review feedback received since publication of the ASCO/ONS Standards for Safe Chemotherapy Administration and to clarify the Standards as needed. The most significant change to the Standards is to extend their scope to the inpatient setting. This change reflects the conviction that the same standards for chemotherapy administration safety should apply in all settings.
The ASCO/ONS workgroup concluded that these patient safety standards should apply whether chemotherapy is administered in the outpatient or inpatient setting. They reviewed each standard in the context of an inpatient environment and determined such expansion of scope was feasible and appropriate.
An important part of the Standards review process is soliciting input from relevant stakeholders. Understanding your vital role in defining and implementing safety standards, we are inviting you to provide a candid evaluation of the standards as applicable to the inpatient setting.
In addition, we would welcome any comments you wish to make on the standards as a whole.
Please read the revised standards, then access this survey to comment on the revisions. We will not be able to acknowledge individual comments, but we value your input and will give your ideas careful consideration.
The survey for public comment will be open from July 12, 2011 to August 11, 2011.
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